Monica felt as though she had been punched in her stomach, as she found herself unable to breathe. A million feelings rushed through her soul; fear, anger, hate, annoyance, sadness, and worry.

"Andrew, my name is Monica, remember? You and I have known each other forever," she whispered. He looked into her eyes and tried to smile.

"Moniccaa," he said, his speech slightly slurred. She looked at him, she realized suddenly, whatever this was it shouldn’t and wouldn’t wait for another three hours.

"All right, Andrew, come with me," she said. She quickly helped him put his jacket back on and helped him out to the car.

"Where, we going?" He asked, once again slightly slurred.

"We’re going to Lakeside Hospital," she said as she quickly drove the car down the long and empty high way.

"Where’s that?"

"In town," she said again.

Monica helped Andrew into the smaller clinic, which sat right next to the large hospital she sighed, praying Mike was in. He usually worked in the large hospital, however his office and practice was in this building.

"Monica, I thought you were coming at four?" Mike said as he stood by the counter and signed off on a few papers.

"Mike, he’s getting worse. His speech is slurred, and he hasn’t the faintest clue who I am, or what is going on." Mike sighed and looked at Delores, smiling he handed her the clipboards.

"Delores, will you call in Amanda and Will when you get a chance, as well as Dr. Jackson, and Dr. Kilburn."

"Yes doctor," the young woman answered.

"Thank you, oh and if any of my usual patients come in please tell them to make an appointment, hold all my calls."

"Yes sir," she said again. With a nod from the woman, Mike placed his hand on Andrew’s back and led the two angels into an exam room, where his friend and nurse Amy was standing.

"Hi Amy, Monica, Andrew this is Amy, she’s a little new around here, but she’s been a nurse for what six years?" Amy nodded.

"Amy this is my son Andrew, and his good friend Monica," Mike introduced. Monica shook her hand, while Andrew seemed off in his own little world.

"Okay, Andrew why don’t you go ahead and remove your shirt for me, and we’ll get started," Mike said. Nodding Andrew removed his shirt, and sat on the padded table. Amy couldn’t help notice how cute he was.

"You’re friend, Ms. Monica, is cute," Monica smiled and chuckled slightly as she watched Andrew breath in and out for Mike while he listened.

"I know, but he’s my friend, nothing more," she explained. Once Mike had done what would be considered a normal check up he began to do other things, he was slightly concerned by the lack of reaction in Andrew’s left eye. As well as the lack of reflexes in his knee and arms.

"Andrew, are your arms or legs cold or numb?" He asked as he pricked Andrew slightly in different spots on his arm.

"A little."

"Okay, I think that will be enough of that for a little while, however, I’d like to run some tests on you tomorrow. They’ll require you being admitted for the day, but it will help us diagnosis exactly what’s wrong with this body." Andrew nodded as he attempted to button his shirt again. Monica could tell he was getting frustrated and walked over and continued doing it for him. He was somewhat grateful as well as embarrassed.

"What do you think it is Mike?" Monica asked as she then finished and wrapped an arm around Andrew’s waist. He smiled and draped an arm across her shoulders.

"I don’t know exactly, I have a few suspicions, which is why I want the tests. They will eliminate everything but one."

"What time do you want us back for the tests?" Monica asked again.

"I’d like to start as early as I can, so you guys can get some rest. So how about we start at seven?" He looked at Andrew and tried to smile.

"Sounds good," Andrew said. Mike nodded.

"Good, then tomorrow evening you can join the rest of the clan and I at dinner, sound good?" Andrew smiled and nodded.

"All right, now get out of here and get some rest, you’re going to need it." Mike watched the two angels leave the exam room, he walked them out to the front door, hugging Monica and shaking Andrew’s hand he watched them leave.

"Doctor?" Amy asked.

"Amy, would you mind ordering me a CT, a skull x-ray, a MRI, I also want a biopsy done," Mike said as he looked at her.

"Biopsy, you think he has a tumor?"

"Nope, I’m sure he has a tumor, I just need the films to confirm it."

Andrew and Monica came in early the next morning, Andrew was immediately escorted from Monica and was told to change into a pair of scrubs. He was standing in the room when he heard a knock. Amanda, Monica, Will and Mike walked in and smiled.

"Hey big brother," Will said. Andrew smiled at him and ruffled the shorter and younger man’s hair.

"Hi guys," he said hugging Amanda.

"Andrew, what don’t you have a seat on the table, Amy will be in a minute, I just thought I would explain to you what we’re going to do first."

"All right," he said. Thankful that after sitting down, Monica quickly joined him.

"Now, the first test we’re going to do is going to be a CT, or Cat Scan, it’s going to probably take about ten or twenty minutes. What’s going to happen is we’re going to inject a dye into your body, so that when we take this large set of X rays of your brain it will show me the difference between bad tissues and good tissue. What a CT is, it’s a large machine, where you lay on the table and it takes you back into the large tube with lasers on it, these lasers won’t hurt you, or cause you any pain, they’re to help us divide your head into different sections, so we can look at each part thoroughly. After that we’re going to take you to get a MRI, it’s like a gigantic magnet, which will also give you a picture of your brain by. The MRI, can in so many terms, see through your skull to the tissues just below that, and help detect anything that might be lurking there…"

"Like a brain," Will said. Mike smiled at his youngest and continued.

"Yeah, which is why we will never run one of Will," Mike said smiling as his son pouted, "Now, we will allow you to rest after the MRI, because that’s going to cause you some nausea and maybe make you a little dizzy. We’re then going to take a skull x-ray which will show any changes in your skull bone, as well as a brain scan, which reveal any abnormal growing on the brain and will record them onto a film. For all of these a dye will be injected into your vein, but hopefully not many will hurt. After all of that we will let you rest again, for a much longer period of time, then you can go home." Mike finished.

"When will we know the results?" Monica asked.

"Hopefully in 24 to 36 hours," Amanda said.

"You think whatever this is, it’s neurological?" Andrew asked.

"I’m going to say the same thing I said yesterday, as of this moment, I don’t know what it is, I have ideas, and I will not scare you with any of them, until I have further details."

"All right." Andrew said. Mike smiled slightly.

"Good, so we’ll get out of here, and Amy will be in with the dye, and we’ll get this started. Monica you are welcome to remain with him until he’s in the rooms, and then you will have to either step out or watch."

"All right," she said. Mike nodded and left the room followed by the two younger doctors.

"When will you run the biopsy?" Amanda asked once she was out of the room.

"As soon as I know it’s a tumor, and if I can do one on it. I want him to know too before I do one."

"What if it is a tumor?" Will asked

"Then we’ll fight it with all we have Will, he’s an angel, God needs him, and so do a lot of other people, including this old man standing in front of you."

Andrew was wheeled into a large white room with a huge cylinder with a table that slid in and out.

"Moni," he whispered. Mike smiled and came inside.

"Andrew, hop up on the table, and I'll strap you in," Mike said.

"Its okay Andrew I'll be right here."

"Mike... why do I have to be strapped down to a table?" He asked softly.

"Well Andrew, it's just going to help us get a straight picture. Come on son, I promise it isn't going to hurt anymore than your head does." Andrew nodded and slowly released Moni's hand. He carefully climbed up on the table and waited while Mike strapped him down. Monica smiled and moved over towards him.

"We'll be in the next room."

"I'll see you when it’s finished Andy."

"Okay," he whispered. With a final squeeze of his hand, Monica and Mike left the room.

Mike sat down in the seat, she could tell Andrew was scared, as the machine began to buzz with sound. Monica also looked scared.

"Don't worry Monica, it's not going to hurt him at all." Mike pull a nearby microphone to his mouth and sighed, "Okay Andrew, what we're doing is basically cutting you're brain into sections, it will then show me a picture on the screen, and help me find what I need why you have headaches, so go ahead and relax." Andrew then started to relax when he heard Mike's voice.

"Good boy, now Monica, if you watch the screen, you can see our angel boy's brain," Mike said pointing to the screen.

"I have never seen anything like this before, it’s very interesting."

"Yes it is, now the front part of the brain is called the frontal, the sides are the temporal and the back is the Parietal lobe. Each area has its own function, and inside those functions and areas are more functions and areas," Mike said pointing to the picture on the computer. Monica looked at the colored picture, although confused this was very interesting

"How can you tell if anything is wrong?"

"Okay, well if you see any darker colors those are the bad parts."

"Oh all right."

"Oh boy," Mike said quickly and quietly.

"What’s wrong?"

"There are two dark circles right around the frontal lobe."

"What does that mean you just said that if there are dark spaces then its bad is there something really seriously wrong?" Monica asked very concerned.

"Well, in this case, I'm going to run some more tests, but right now it looks like a tumor, or two."

"Oh my God. No....."

"Don't panic yet honey, he needs you right now, it could be benign, which would be better than a malignant tumor."

"Okay." Monica nodded numbly.

"Honey, try to control it, this is just the first test, we'll run four or so more tests."

"Okay when are you going to tell Andrew?"

"I'd like to have all the other tests ran, and then I'll tell him, however, we won't know if it's really a tumor and what type until we get all the results."

"All right. How am I supposed to tell the twins?"

"Why don't we wait until we know more honey, and then tell them."

"Okay I'll wait."

"Good, let's not make too much of this until we know all the facts."

"Okay, let's go in and get your best friend," Mike said.

"Okay." Mike reentered the room and helped Andrew out of the straps and back into the chair.

"Come here son, okay, we'll get you into the MRI."

"Hey Andrew."

"Hi Moni," he whispered.

"You’re head hurting son."

"Yeah it is."

"Okay guys, let's get you moving," Mike said, not wanting to do anything more he simply wheeled Andrew to MRI room.

"Okay son, this is going to feel weird at first, you might feel sick, that's completely normal, if you get to bad, just let us know." Andrew nodded.

Monica sat down next to Andrew as he slept soundly in his bedroom. She saw that he seemed peaceful. She was grateful to Mike for inviting them over, it had eased Andrew quiet a bit, and although he had shown any of the signs from yesterday, she was still so worried about him.

"Andrew, I don’t know what’s happening, but God help us, because we’re going to need him."

Monica and Andrew sighed as they slowly walked into Mike's office two days later.

He was reading when they entered, Andrew chuckled slightly as he gazed at the pictures on his desk. He smiled.

"You still have this huh pop," Andrew whispered as he picked on up of him, Steve and Will all sitting together on top of a swing set in the back yard. Steve had been a little older than fifteen, Andrew had been nine, and Will looked to be all of about three.

"Yes, plan on having to for as long as I live."

"So what’s going on?" Asked Monica.

"Oh boy, why don't you guys sit down?"

"Andrew, we got the results of your tests back, I asked Amanda, Will and an older doctor named Dr. Jackson to check them as well. They all concurred with my diagnosis. I'm going to say this in Doctors terms, and then in terms you might understand better, simply because I'll feel better. You have a malignant growth on your frontal lobe, which is the size of a quarter, but is growing rapidly."

"Andrew, you have a cancerous brain tumor," there was a stunned silence.

"It’s located in the area just above your eyes, it's causing you all these problems, and it's steadily getting worse. You can't ignore it; you can't get past it without a little help from me and a lot of help from God. Son there are so many ways to go about this, so many, but we've got talk first."

"What are you trying to tell me Mike?"

"Andrew, you've got brain cancer, and it's serious." Mike said finishing.

"Oh my God." Monica gripped his hand tightly as Andrew began to have to tears falling from his eyes.

"Take your time."

"We'll get through this Andy," Monica whispered to him as she leaned her head into his gently.

"I don't understand," he whispered.

"Andrew, son, remember you've got so many people behind you, and God."

"Andrew I'll be here for you. I'll help you get through this," Monica said softly, running a hand through his silkily hair.

"I'm scared; I mean what, are we going to do. How will I tell everyone," Monica took Andrew into her arms and held him gently. Her own tears falling.

"We'll tell them the truth and go from there."

"Andrew, I understand how hard this is, believe me son, I was told the same thing by a doctor several years ago, if you remember. But we still need to talk about what you're going to do."

"What are the options?" Monica asked.

"You're tumor is inoperable, which means chemo and radiation are the only other options at this point."

"Then if that’s what we have to do that’s what we'll do. We should probably tell the twins," replied Monica

"That's fine, I'd like to start the treatment as soon as we can, however it takes time to get use to this, call me as soon as your ready, but Andrew, the longer you wait, the worse it will be." Mike said. Andrew looked at Monica.

"When do you want to start Andrew?" Monica asked gently looking at him.

"Monday, please?" he whispered. Mike came over, and gently touched his son's arm, helping him to his feet he pulled him into a tight hug.

"Andrew I love you so much," Mike said hugging him. He felt tears in his own eyes, but he couldn’t stop this from happening.

"I love you too Mike." Andrew replied.

"It's going to be all right son," looking over at Monica, he pulled her close as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"Come here sweetheart, let it go," he whispered. Together the two angelic humans and father cried their hearts out.

Andrew and Monica came into the house, when Brianna and Bryan were arguing, they stopped when they saw Andrew's eyes puffy and red they got worried.

Brianna came over to where they were standing and asked, "Andrew are you okay?"

"Come here baby girl," he whispered pulling her close, he looked over to Monica.

"Is everything ok?" Bryan asked coming over to where Monica was standing. Bryan looked at Monica, as Andrew gripped Brianna tightly.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"Um why don't we sit down in the living room," Monica replied quietly.

"Okay," Andrew slowly moved so that he could be facing the twins, as well as Monica.

"Bry, Bri, um..." he didn't want to say this, it hurt so bad, to admit that this had happened

"What’s wrong Dad?" asked Bryan

"Guys, Andrew hasn't been feeling very good lately. So we went to Mike to find out what was wrong," she whispered.

"What happened?" Brianna asked

"Guys, um, we're in for a rough ride for the next couple months."

"Dad what is it whatever it is we can handle it?" Bryan replied.

"I have brain cancer, and it's inoperable."

"What no!?" gasped Brianna.

"How did this happen?" asked Bryan. Monica could see Andrew trying his best to control his emotions.

"We don't know, but God will take care of us," she whispered holding his hand tightly.

"You're not going to die, are you?" Brianna hesitantly asked.

"Angels don't die baby, remember that." Monica said.

"But then why did God let you get it?" asked Bryan angrily.

"God didn't let me gets this Bryan, it happened, and God will be the one to help heal me."

"How are they going to make you better?" Asked Brianna.

"Well, we're going to go in on Monday and find out how we will do the treatment. It's not going to be easy guys, cancer is a horrible thing, I hate to see it happen to others," Brianna and Bryan remained silent. Andrew moved over to the couch and pulled them close. Kissing their heads, tears welling in his eyes as his lower lip trembled, he was so worried, so frightened, not just for himself but for the twins, and Monica. This would shake them, as well as Mike.

"How long will it take for you to get better?" asked Bri

"It depends, on if the medicine works, I suppose."

"It will work right?" asked Bryan

"Time will tell," Andrew said.

"Are you scared Andrew?" asked Brianna. Andrew looked over at Monica, who had tears in her eyes. Taking a deep breath he kissed them both.

"More than you'll ever know, but I trust God with all my heart on this." Andrew sighed and held them close, he looked over to Monica.

"Come here angel girl," he whispered. Monica came over, picking up Brianna, they held one another close.

Monday came all too soon for the angels. Andrew had permitted the twins to come along so they would understand what was going on. Monica pulled the car in front of the hospital clinic and looked back at the twins.

"You guys ready to go in?" He asked looking at them and Monica.

"Yeah." Both Bri and Bry answered.

"Let's get this over with." Together the four angels walked into the clinic, Mike was there to see them. He smiled.

"How you guys doing?" He asked, gently ruffling their hair.

"We're doing okay Mike." Monica replied.

"Good to hear, why don't we head back to my office and talk about a plan to treat this?" Mike said. Andrew simply nodded and followed his father. He felt Brianna’s hand slip into his, stopping quickly he looked into her eyes and smiled softly.

"I love you Andrew." Brianna replied

"I love you too baby girl. We'll get through this; with God all things are possible." The entered Mike's office and saw Will, Amanda and another man in the office as well. Mike closed the door and sighed.

"Andrew, Monica, Brian, Bryan, this is Dr. Jackson, and I believe you already know William, and Amanda," Andrew shook Dr. Jackson’s hand.

"Hi, um, this is my friend Monica, and Bryan, and Brianna."

"Hello," Monica replied

"Hi," the twins said. The doctor was a kind looking man, with gray hair as well and green eyes. Monica smiled, had Andrew and she been humans she could imagine him looking like that in fifty years. Andrew, Monica, and the twins all had a seat. Mike sighed.

"Andrew, a lot of this is all going to depend on how you're feeling and what you think is the best plan."

"What are the plans?" Andrew asked

"There are a couple of choices at the moment, we could start you on Radiation therapy, since the surgery is not possible at this point. Chemotherapy is the other option."

"Which would kill the cancer faster?" Monica asked.

"Radiation is given five days a week for several weeks, or we can put an implant in, I'd prefer not to do the implant. We use powerful rays to try and destroy the cancer, it does have side affects, which include nausea, as well as possible loss of hair, you will be weak, you might lose your appetite. Chemo is the same, but may vary a little more depending on the type of drugs we use. There's no way to know how either one will work, it's different with each person."

"What are the side affects to the Chemo?" Andrew asked thinking about what he was going to go through, it wasn’t like he didn’t know this; it was more like he wanted to know why this was happening.

"You will have to take steroids, and those can be addictive, which means when all of this is through you will slowly have to reduce the amount of steroids. As well as there will be times when you don’t want to eat, or you’re throwing up every thirty minutes, you might have mouth sores, you could get sicker more often by other problems. You’ll be more susceptible to colds or the flu, because it will reduce the blood cells to fight on infection. You will probably lose a lot of your energy, but I urge you to try and stay active as possible. You might lose your hair. The steroids could cause restlessness or mood swings."

"How are some ways I can remain energized?" Andrew asked again.

"Well, instead of eating three large meals a day, eat small meals or snacks, that way it’s more spread out, as well as we’ll try to get you on a good diet to go with your medication."

"What about the radiation?" Bryan asked calmly. Mike smiled, glad to see they were all interested in what was going on, he didn’t miss the look on Dr. Jackson’s face when he had sent he twins.

"The radiation has a lot of the same affects, it’s for a longer period of time, you’ll be tired, weak, sleepy, but eventually it’ll go away." Mike sat back and watched his son and his ‘family’, he knew this wasn’t easy for the angels, but he loved them more than life and knew that they felt it every second. Will sighed and sat down on the edge of his father’s desk. Looking at his older brother he smiled. Although he would never age, Andrew seemed to finally look the age his human form would look. Will gripped his brother’s hand gently.

"Why don’t we talk about rehab for a few minutes, because that’s the next part after all of this." Andrew looked his brother in the eye. He had always loved Will. Mike smiled at the two, never prouder of his son.

"Rehab is going to be tough; a lot of it will just depend on how you’re feeling every day. We’re going to try and get you back your normal life. You’re going to have problems at first Andrew, daily living will become hard, because you’re going to lose coordination. You might have temporary loss of your hands or fingers, as well as your legs. We’re going to make sure everything works every time you leave here."

"Living how?" Monica asked.

"Well, Andrew has always gotten dressed by himself, right?" Andrew looked at him, Mike held up his hand to stop his son.

"Minus when you were six. This really happens Andrew. All too often, I’m afraid."

"What should we start with?" Andrew asked.

"Chemotherapy would be the best idea right now. Hopefully it will work the quickest," Dr. Jackson explained.

"You’ll need to spend four or five days in the hospital until we have the dosage under control."

"All right, when do we start," Andrew said confidently.

"I would like to begin as soon as we can, tomorrow if you’re up to it?" Andrew felt Monica squeeze his hand.

"I’m up to it," he whispered. Mike smiled and nodded.

"All right, I’d like to see you tomorrow at nine, go home, I know this won’t be easy for you Andrew, no one expects you to accept this right away, you need to adjust to it." Andrew nodded. Suddenly he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders. He smiled as he felt Amanda squeeze him tightly.

"We’re all here for you Andrew," he nodded into her shoulder.

"Thanks Mandy," he whispered.

Andrew was lying in the bed, one arm behind his head, the other resting on his stomach, as he thought about what was going on right now in his body. Suddenly there was a small knock on the door and then it opened. Turning his head he looked into the eyes of Brianna, although the room was dark he could see she had been crying.

"Daddy?" Brianna choked out.

"Hey, what are you doing up at this hour?" He asked looking over at the clock which read 3:03 in the morning.

"I couldn't sleep."

"Yeah, neither could I to be honest. Come here pumpkin," he whispered. Scooting over in bed he pulled the covers back. Brianna climbed inside and rested her head on his shoulder. Andrew sighed, resting his head on her's.

"What’s on your mind cherub?"

"You and everything going on."

"Why don't you elaborate a little more?"

"Well I was thinking about how you have brain cancer and how you have to go through so much and I don't understand why?!"

"Brianna, sweetheart, sometimes things happen so that we can understand why they happen to others, so we know how that person is feeling. I know right now it doesn't make sense, and honestly I'm frustrated myself baby, but remember. God loves us and he'll be with us. You remember that for me in my weakest moments."

"I will. Can I stay with you tonight please?"

"I wouldn't want you anywhere else. Brianna, I want you to know that even now that we're all trying to deal with this, it's okay to be scared, I know I am. God won't blame you for being afraid."

"I am so afraid of what’s going to happen." Brianna started to cry a little.

"Many things are going to happen, my angel, but know this, I will not die."

"I know you won't." Brianna replied.

"Brianna, honey, I love you. Just relax and try to sleep, I'm here for you."

"I love you too Andy." Andrew Sighed and got down under the covers, holding Bri close he kissed her forehead.

"God help up and give us strength through these next few months," he whispered as he watched Brianna drift to sleep in his arms.

CHAPTER 4

Andrew felt horrible, he had been receiving the chemotherapy by IV for nearly two days, he was lying still, his face sheet white, his eyes closed. Monica sighed as she held his hand, desperately trying to control her feelings. He looked horrible, and he was so tired. Tess had come by the day before and volunteered to stay with the twins, while Monica remained at the hospital with Andrew, bringing them over periodically in the evenings, Andrew would remain there until they had the chemo under control and then he would be sent home and recive it.

"Moni," came his faint whisper.

"Andy,"

"Oh God, I feel horrible," he whispered.

"I know Andy but I'm here for you and I am not going to leave you."

"My head hurts." Monica took her hand and caressed his face.

"It’s ok," she whipsered, "I'm here for you."

"I think I'm gonna be sick."

"Hold on," she quickly went to get the small pan they left for him since they knew he would have no energy.

"Hurry," he whispered. Seconds later she was holding him as he threw up in the small kidney shaped pan. Monica rubbed his back and talked lovingly in his ear. He couldn’t seem to stop, finally it all finished, and he laid back against the pillow, tears of pain and annoyance running down into his sweat.

"Its okay now, love."

"Moni, I can't take this," he whispered.

"Its going to be okay. Don't give up."

"I'm not... giving up, just getting tirrred."

"I know you are."

"Hold me, pleassse," he cried. Monica scooted closer to Andrew and held him close. He rested his head against her, as she gently dabbed at his forehead.

"God you can be so stubborn!" Bryan screamed as he yelled at his sister.

"Why can't you just ever answer my question!" Brianna screamed in return.

"I don't know how to answer it!" Bryan yelled back.

"Why are you always bugging me! Don't you get it Brianna! I don't want to talk to you right now! I just wanna be alone!"

"Fine you know fine I'll leave you alone but when you ever want to talk to me when something is bugging you or you need to vent to someone then don't come to me." Brianna screamed her eyes filled with tears.

"If I want to vent I'll go to Andre...." he stopped, turning away he couldn’t stop the tears from falling down his face. God it hurt so bad, Andrew was sick and dying in some hospital and he wasn't there to help. After Brianna heard him say that she replied,

"That might me kinda hard when he is dying in a hospital..." Brianna's voice cracked and she ran to her room.

"Halo Boy?" Tess said coming into the living room

"What Tess!" Bryan said in a somewhat heated tone.

"Halo baby, I think you need to talk, don't you agree?" Tess said gently. She took him into her arms, at first he tried to fight it, but then eventually he broke down in her arms. He didn’t want to talk at first, but finally he nodded into her shoulder.

"I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be such a jerk, it’s just usually… I know he’s an angel, but I’m so scared. I snap when I’m angry or scared. Usually Andrew takes the brunt of it, knowing me, loving me. I don’t know how he does it, but every time he’s there to give me a hug and tell me he loves me." Tess smiled softly.

"God knows that halo boy, and he’s got a plan, and even though we don’t know the plan yet, it’s a good one. Andrew will be fine Bryan, so take a deep breath and go talk to that little sister of yours. I think she could use a friend don’t you?" Bryan nodded again and slowly turned to head back upstairs.

Brianna ran into her room and closed the door loudly. She had tears pouring down her face as she sat down on the bed, burying her face in her hands.

"Hello cherub," a voice came, looking up Brianna smiled slightly as she saw Gloria standing by her dresser, in her hands was a picture of Bryan and Andrew, Bryan was sitting down, Andrew’s arm wrapped around him both smiling. Brianna looked at Gloria and whispered,

"Hi Gloria."

"What no hug? I heard you're having a tough time." Brianna got up and ran to Gloria's arms and started to cry in her shoulder.

"Sometimes, I wonder why God planned for me to have a twin like him," Brianna whispered. Gloria smiled and put the picture down, sitting down beside the angel.

"God wanted you to understand undying love. Unconditional love, think about it sweet heart, before now how many times have you ever really listened to your brother when he’s got a problem? Andrew is Bryan’s link, kind of like you and Monica, Bryan needs Andrew for certain things. Brianna, when I was a new angel, all I ever wondered was why God had made an angel like me. I was this little angel who just couldn’t understand love, but seemed to understand everything about math, computers, and logical things. You know what, God had a plan. He wanted me to understand that all these logical things in the world meant nothing in the eyes of him, because to him love and faith was the truth. God gave you a twin brother so you could understand the relationship Andrew has with Monica. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but do you love your brother?"

"More than you’ll ever know."

"See, you have the love."

"Brianna, God made you a twin for a reason, and I may not know the entire reason why, but let me tell you now, that part of it might have to do with unconditional love, because I know, that even after that argument, you couldn't live without him," Gloria said softly as she looked the angel in the eye.

"No I couldn't he's there for me when I need him, but sometimes he makes me so angry."

"You know what honey, did you know most of the time when Bryan had a problem, he runs to Andrew for help and guidance. Because Andrew has always been able to handle it. Now he's lost that handle."

"But he could always talk to someone else."

"Yes, and he was trying, but well you're not use to this baby, you think he has to be calm, sometimes he needs to relieve all this pressure and the only way he does that is to yell at someone. He needs to talk to someone, yell a little. He's scared and doesn't understand, and usually when he has a problem where he’s scared Andrew is the one he talks to, because Andrew understands that he needs to vent."

"I don't like it when he yells I don’t like it when anyone yells it frightens me a little."

"Honey, you need to toughen up, people are going to yell, and people are going to raise their voices. You do it too."

"I know I need to but that’s not the least of my worries what’s going to happen to Andrew?"

"Don't worry about Andrew, you leave that up to the Father, he's in control, and that's all you need to know right now."

"I know and I will try it’s just really frustrating."

"Yes it is frustrating, but remember something, Andrew has this, and he doesn't know why either."

"I know. When can I go see him?"

"Soon, but first you need to talk to someone," just then there was a knock on the door. Brianna went to answer the door and when she turned around Gloria was gone. Brianna answered the door. Bryan stood at the door, tears in his eyes.

Brianna looked at him and then enfolded him in a hug.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry baby, God I love you so much honey. I love you Marshmallow," he said, his eyes red with tears.

"I love you too Spooky."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, and God I just miss Andrew."

"I know so do I. I really want to see him."

"I also want to see Monica."

"In God's time baby, in God's time," he whispered. Looking up towards the heavens, he sighed. "Father, please point us to do the right thing and help Andrew, we love him so much."


Monica sat next to Andrew, holding his pale limp hands, as he slept, he had been throwing up almost all day, Mike, seeing his son needed rest had given a sedative. Just then there was a knock on the door. The door opened and Gloria came in with Bryan and Brianna, they quickly joined her beside Andrew's bed.

"Hey guys," she said hugging both of them tightly.

"Hi Monica." They both replied, "How is Andrew?"

"Not so hot babies, not so hot. He's sleeping right now as you can see."

"He looks so pale." Bryan replied.

"I know he is, however he's all right for now. He's relaxing."

"How was he before we came?" Brianna asked

"Sick sweetheart, very sick. The medicines aren't agreeing right now, but they're trying to get them under control."

"Are you coming home tonight Moni?" Bryan asked.

"No sweetie, I'm staying here with your dad, he's going to need me." Gloria smiled softly and gently touched Andrew's other free hand.

"Okay who is going to stay with us at the house?" asked Brianna.

"Gloria and Tess will remain with you, I'll bring Andy home with me in a week or so."

"Okay." replied Bryan and Brianna.

"You're dad is going to be fine." Brianna and Bryan nodded. Both of them trying hard not to cry at the sight of Andrew.

His eyes slowly opened as he looked over at the twins, he smiled gently, seeing his two friends as well. He held Gloria's hand near his cheek.

"Miss havin' ya 'round baby angel," he said kissing her hand. Gloria smiled and kissed his warm forehead.

"Hey you two," Andrew whispered.

"Hi Andrew." Bri and Bry responded.

"Miss you two, Tired, but I.. glad ya camee," his speech slurred slightly as he tried to talk normally, slightly frustrated by it.

"So are we, we miss you at the house." Brianna answered.

"Yeah... not da sameee, without you're argguinng," he said chuckling slightly. Brianna and Bryan laughed.

"How do you feel Andrew?" Gloria asked. Andrew turned his head slightly so he could look at Monica and Gloria.

"Tirredd, wanna sleep, or diee," he whispered. Monica sighed and gently pushed the damp hair from his face.

Chapter Five
Monica opened her eyes slowly, not sure as to why she woke up, then she heard it. In the past three weeks since Andrew had come home from the hospital she had become accustom to hearing this night after night.

He had been losing weight rapidly, getting worse everyday and she was horribly worried about him, however she remained by his side all the time.

Getting out of bed she pulled on a robe and slippers and headed out into the hall across the hall towards the bathroom, she knocked first, the house was dark as everyone else was still sleeping, the only light coming from under the bathroom door. She slowly opened it, not surprised by what she found. Andrew sat on the floor between the bath tub and the toilet, legs pulled to his chest, arms wrapped around his legs as he buried his head in his knees and sobbed. His hair was mussed and he looked horrible. Monica sighed and walked over and crouched in front of him.

"Andy shh its okay. It'll be okay soon."

"Oh God... I'm so scared," he cried. Monica sighed, she had known this would come; he had been so quiet lately. She gently pulled him into her arms, as he uncurled and placed his head in her lap, crying hard.

"I know I won't die, but it hurts," he whispered.

"I know it does. Have you tried praying lately Andrew?"

"I don't know what to say, I feel like I'd be betraying him if I told him how angry and scared I am," he cried harder. Monica gently rocked him as she held his shoulders tightly in her arms.

"You wouldn't betray Him wouldn't you like to tell him how you are feeling inside."

"I love him so much, but I just want to die Moniii," he said, his speech slurring as he got more upset. She knew she'd have to calm him down before he had a seizure.

"You aren't going to die. Angels can't die. Andy you need to calm down can you do that for me please."

"Why do I have this Moni?"

"I don't know why Andy I wish I had that answer."

Monica had calmed Andrew down slightly, and noticed he was shivering. She damned the tumor as she realized she had to get him off this cold floor. She could still feel his sobs wracking his body.

"Andrew you need to try and stand up so I can get you off the floor. Can you do that for me?"

"Yeah, I thinkk so," he said more calm than a few moments ago. She slowly helped lever him up with the bathtub and got him out of the bathroom, she knew he was cold because he was also wearing no shirt. Monica put her arm around his waist and guided him to his room.

She handed him a shirt and said, "You need to put this on otherwise you are going to freeze." He wrapped an arm around his waist as he laid down on the bed, curling up again, pain etched on his face.

"I don't think I can," he said slurring slightly. She knew he wasn't getting any better, she kept reminding herself this was the beginning. Monica sat on the bed and lifted Andrew up and started to put the shirt on him for him.

"You need to try and go to sleep Honey otherwise it’s just going to be worse."

"Can't bee any, worst," he said, almost drunk. Monica gently caressed his face and said, "You have to try to sleep for me."

"I do anyythinng forr ya," he said smiling.

"Thank you so will you try and go to sleep," Monica smiled.

"Stayy, wif me," he cried.

"I wasn't planning on leaving you."

"Cold," he said. Monica pulled up the covers and tucked him in gently and caressed his head and face.

"Better?"

"No, youuu keeeeep me warrrrm," he said.

Monica scooted closer to Andrew and brought him up where his head was on her stomach and caressed his head lightly with her hand and smiled saying,

"Better?"

"Mmuch. Monnnica, how long till I die?" He asked

"You aren't going to die Andrew." Monica replied a little shocked by his question.

"Aren't I. Moni, letts get serious... I'm dying and wee alll knoow it," he said.

"Andrew stop it."

"Why?" He said slightly angered

"Stop saying things like that you aren't going to die." Monica said sternly.

"Moni, There's a tumorrr on the front offf my brrain, and it's slowly pusshing against my skkull, causssing pressure."

"I know that but that doesn't mean you are going to die. Angels can't die."

"Can't they?"

"No they can't."

"Even if they tried?" He asked almost timidly.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh God Moni, I tried I did, It's horrible but God I did it, and I tried, but I just couldn't finish," he whispered.

"What do you mean Andrew? Did you try to commit suicide?"

"Yes," he cried

"Why Andrew why would you do that?"

"I couldn't take it I'm sorry God I couldn’t." He whispered as he showed her the cut on his wrist, that was looking healed and fine

Monica looked at him and said, "When did you do this?"

"Four days ago while you were sleeping and the others were shopping,"

"Andy how did....why did you..?"

"I couldn’t take it Moni, it hurts so bad,"

"I know it does but the worst thing you could do is give up."

"Can you blame him?" Sam asked as he appeared in the room.

"What do you mean Sam?"

"Monica, every angel is given a test, sadly the Father had no intentions of this being Andrew's test, although he has been doing remarkably well, I'm not saying he should give up, but he's seeing how humans would react, and that's good."

"How can that be a good thing? He is hurting Sam. He tried to commit suicide! I don't think this is a good thing," Monica replied angrily

"Monica, the Father doesn't cause pain, but in pain he can show you a light, and for Andrew, The Father wants Andrew to see how humans feel in a case like this. However if you ever try a stunt like that again, you will not be speaking with me!" Sam said sternly staring at the younger angel with anger.

Monica had fallen asleep next to Andrew, although she had been surprised by what he had told her, she had found herself more surprised by how quickly he was losing hope and that she hadn't even noticed. Although Andrew slept peacefully at times, this was not one of them. Tossing and turning in his friends arms.

He stood beside Adam, a hand on his shoulder as he watched his friends and father weep over his now limp body. A shell of what he had been for so very long. The pain was gone but the fear was still there, because now he was going back to heave and he didn't know if he would ever be an angel again. "Come my friend," Adam said.

Andrew sat up in a hurry, he didn't want to die. He began to sob again. Monica quickly sat up to see what was wrong with her friend.

"Andrew what is it what’s wrong?"

"I can't feel himmm anymore, I'm humannn," he whispered with tears running down his face

"What do you mean?"

"I can't feel him Monnicaa, I can't feel him, he's gone."

"No he's not he is there. Just pray Andy He would never forsake His angel."

"I can't feel it Monica, I'm a lone, he'sss gonne."

"No you aren't you need to pray and then you will be able to feel Him."

"Don't you get it Moninica, I'm mortal now, I'm nnoot an angelll annymore."

"This can't be happening.....this means that......."

"I can die." He whispered.

Chapter Six
Four Months Later
Monica sat on the couch, trying to read her book, upstairs the twins were fighting loudly. She was quickly losing her patience with this. They always seemed to be fighting, and lately they seemed to be louder than usual. Her head was pounding as she thought about Andrew; lately he didn't ever wanna get out of bed, as he sulked about thinking about death. For one who had once been annoyed by people afraid of death she found it amazing that suddenly he was afraid of it himself. She had told him to rest today, however as she heard the creek of the stairs she knew he was getting up. The twins were coming into the living room just as Andrew entered, and she quickly blew it.

"SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!" Everyone froze, Andrew as well. Nobody sure what to say having never heard her yell before. Tess looked up from her spot with Jan on the couch, slightly unnerved by the sound of her ‘angel girl’ yelling at her three close friends.

"Don't any of you have any respect? Why aren't you in bed? You two need to stop yelling at each other! Andrew is sick! And I'm tired of hearing it! Just shut up!"

Everyone stood looking at her in disbelief this wasn't the normal Monica. Brianna looked at her, and for the first time since Gloria had spoke to her, she didn’t feel at all frightened about Monica’s yelling, only worried for her friend and idol.

"Mon, you okay?" She asked.

"No, I'm tired of this, Andrew is always sulking and if he's not doing that he complains about everything! Meanwhile you two aren't helping by always screaming!" She yelled loudly,

"You need to take a chill pill Monica." Bryan replied

"No Bryan, you do. You all do, can't you see that things are happening! Andrew is a human, and all you guys can do is argue!" She screamed, Gloria who had been in the kitchen came in behind Andrew, who seemed to look slightly confused, kind of like a deer caught in the headlights. Monica looked at the people. She could feel the angers and frustrations coming out in her right now.

"Why can't you all just get along?!" She screamed

"What’s wrong with you Mom? You need to relax we never bothered you with our arguing before," Brianna replied.

"Your father was never DYING BEFORE!" She screamed then ran upstairs slamming the door closed. Andrew, although weak and tired looked at everyone and sighed.

"What’s wrong with her?" Bryan asked.

"I don't know, I'll go find out," Andrew said and slowly made his way upstairs. Andrew sighed, the past four months had been tough on everyone, Andrew had lost his hair, and a lot of his strength, he weighed half of what he had weighed four months ago, and Monica had been his rock for once. Sighing he looked at the door to her room and knocked on it gently.

"Leave me ALONE!" was his only reply. Shaking his head he pushed the door open and closed it behind himself.

"Why? Because you're angry, or because you're sad and scared?" He asked as he walked towards her.

"Because you finally know how I feel, keeping all these little feelings inside."

"LEAVE ME ALONE! I DIDN'T SAY YOU COULD COME IN."

"I don't care. Look Monica, I met you just under fifty years, ago, and last time I checked I never said you could open the door and come into my heart, but you did. So now, because I love you more than anything but God, I'm here, to help you heal. Yes Monica, I'm scared and yesss thiss hurtss everyday, but I can survive if you're there to help me."

"I don't want to talk about this right now."

"Do I look like I care, if you don't talk about it, when will you talk about it Monica, and to whom?"

Monica finally made eye contact and said, "I can't talk about it Andy it’s too hard. It hurts too much." Tears welling in her eyes. Andrew sighed

"Oh, so I'm supposed to confess my feelings to you, but you just clam up about this. I don't think so. Talk baby girl," he said softly as he sat down gently beside her, stroking her cheek his fingers.

"Andy I am so afraid for you. You are in so much pain and I can't do anything about it."

"You can pray, you can hold me, you can talk me through this. You aren'ttt so helpless."

"I've been feeling all along as though I was. As if I've let you down"

"Well don't. I know you're scared honey, and so am I, but I’m not going to give up now. You could never let me down, nottt in a million years. You've kepttt me alive for almosttt four monthsss. Do you know how hard it's been?"

"I've done that?"

"Every day I get up because of this little voice saying hope, years ago it would have been the Father, but today and for four months it's been you."

"Oh, Andy," Monica said as the tears started rolling down her face, "I never knew I meant this much to you, I mean I did know that you loved me and all......but never this much.."

"Monica, you have been the biggest help for all my existence as angel or human," he said taking her in his arms.

"I love you Andy. I just hope you are going to be okay."

"God said I would be, and I believe him."

"I believe him too....now."

"Good."

"I love you." Monica whispered. Andrew smiled and kissed her temple. He sighed as he held her, never wanting to let go of her.

The twins were sitting on the couch as Monica entered the room, the others had left the room. Gloria back in the kitchen, Jan upstairs helping Andrew and Tess had been called home.

"Hi you guys," she smiled weakly

"Hi," Bri said hesitantly.

"Hi," Bryan said quietly.

"Listen I know I was mad earlier and I just wanted to say......I'm sorry. Can you try to forgive me" she said looking down

"Always," Brianna said as she ran and hugged her mother.

"Yeah but are you okay now?" Bryan asked.

"Yes, yes I'm better now," she said hugging Bri, "I missed you two."

Chapter Seven
Two Months Later
Andrew had been in and out of the hospital for weeks now. Having been diagnosised with brain cancer six months ago, seizures were common as well as slurring of his speech and black outs came occasionally, making it difficult for him to remember what happened last.

Andrew was due to have a check up tomorrow on the tumor, Mike, silently hoping it would have grown smaller by now. Andrew loved his doctors all of them had been such a help to him lately. Helping him get through some of the harder parts of the Chemotherapy.

Andrew was reading in the living room while Monica was in the kitchen and the twins were up stairs doing what they had always done best, argue. As Monica glanced at Andrew she sighed. Forty five years ago when she had met him, his hair had been shoulder length, and he had worn an earring in his left ear. Two years after they had met he had lost the earring. Three years after that he had cut his hair short and layered so he could wear it flat on his head, making him look devilishly handsome. Two years later he cut it again and had it spiked gently, making him look very young and hip according to their friend Adam. A Year after that and for many years he had once again kept it shoulder length, finding himself most comfortable with it long and having bangs on his face. Six years ago he had cut it short once again. Two years ago it had been perfect short with bangs. Six months ago it had been the same only a little longer. Today there was no hair, and as Monica had watched him lose it, she prayed to God for it to grow back when this was all over.

She smiled softly as she watched him place the book down and rolled on to his side, pulling a blanket over his long body he placed the pillow under his bare head and soon fell asleep. Sighing she walked over to him and gently touched his face, as well as his head. She could feel a slight fever, but he looked so weary all the time, she didn’t have the heart to wake him up and get him some Tylenol.

She had been walking back into the kitchen when she heard a thump, looking back she saw Andrew, on the floor having a seizure. She ran over to him and tried to move stuff away from him, doing as Mike had said about not holding him down allowing the seizure to run its course. She quickly grabbed the phone from the nearby end table and dialed her surrogate father’s cell phone.

"Hello," Mike’s voice came on over the phone.

"Mike, it’s Monica, he’s having a seizure," she said.

"Okay, when he stops, keep him warm, I’ll have an ambulance sent," he said and hung up. Andrew’s seizure last a few more moments and then he stopped, now lethargic and unconscious. She grabbed the blanket off the sofa and wrapped him in it. She lifted his head gently into her lap, and held him. The twins came down only seconds after he had stopped.

"What’s going on?" Brianna asked worriedly.

"He’s had a seizure, I want you two to remain here until I say otherwise, we’re going to the hospital as soon as the ambulance gets here," as soon as the words came out of her mouth she could hear the sirens. Monica wasn’t the least surprised to see their two close friends Cheryl and Kevin run in, they had been EMTs for almost nine years together, and Andrew had known them for as long as he and Monica could remember. Since Andrew had first come to know the family as a young angelic child.

"What are his vitals?" Cheryl asked as she pushed the stretcher, her partner working hard.

"Temperature is 104.3, he’s got a rapid pulse and diminished breath sounds, he’s probably got pneumonia," Kevin whispered. Monica looked up at him.

"How?"

"Monica, he’s weak from the chemo, and more susceptible to other illnesses right now. I don’t know for sure, let’s get him to the hospital first before saying anything for sure. You wanna ride along?" He asked, already knowing the answer as he and his close friend and partner heaved Andrew and the board up onto the stretcher.

"Of course."

Monica sat beside Andrew holding his hand tightly, as the ambulance speed along the high way towards the hospital

"Andrew can you hear me," She said running her hand down his cheek, "your going to be all right I just know it."

"Hurts," he whispered incoherently.

"I know Shh save your strength you need to make it out all right for the twins."

"Tired, God it's getting worse... ain't it."

"I know but we're almost there?"

"Hang on"

"Not much...time lefttt," he said moaning again.

"His pulse is rapid," Cheryl said as she continued looking at his vitals

"No Andrew Nooooo."

"Hang in there you can't........"

"Try," he said.

"He's lost conciseness." Cheryl said up to her partner who sped faster.

"Andrew..." Monica said weakly.

A few moments later they arrived in the ER, Andrew was wheeled into the ER and out of Monica's view, Mike came to her very quickly.

"Honey, it's going to be okay baby. Just hold on beautiful." Mike said kissing her head, then disappearing behind the doors. Monica sat down and just started letting out all that was inside of her at the moment. She felt a hand on her shoulder shortly after putting her head in her hands. Looking up, her eyes swollen and bloodshot, she looked into the beautiful blue eyes of her close friend, and "brother-in-law"

"Hey Monica, dad called me a little while ago."

"Oh Steve he's in there I don't know what going on... I'm scared." She cried. Steve held her in his arms as she sobbed.

"I know honey, I know. I'm scared too."

"What's going to happen?"

"I don't know honey, we'll just have to wait and see."

"But....what if he......" Monica couldn't finish her sentence as Steve placed a finger to her lips ever so lightly.

"He won't and he can't," Steve whispered.

"But what if........."

"Honey, he won’t, Andrew has never given up anything easily." Steve pulled her close and sighed.

"Well it's in God's hands now. Steve will you come with me to the chapel please?" Smiling Steve stood up and gripped her hand.

"That's a wonderful idea," he whispered. Together they walked to the chapel and sat down in a pew. Steve knelt down first, seeing Monica could use some help.

"God, I've been blessed with two angels in my life, although it feels like so many more. Father, please don't take my best friend and little brother away. I couldn't take it."

"Dear God, please take care of your son in his time of need...please God........don't take......."

"It's okay Monica," Steve clasped her hand in his.

"And please give me the strength to go through with this whole terrible.... ordeal," she finished off.

"He will give you all the strength you need," Sam's voice came from behind them.

"Sam why are you here." said Monica turning around and wiping away her tears.

"Well Monica, let's think about it this way, I'm here to help everyone get past what's coming."

"What do you mean what's coming?"

"That's all I'm going to say, Monica I don't know what's going to happen."

"But Sam how long are you going to stay ..?"

"Hopefully not too long, however I have Andrew’s best interest in mind. He knows what is coming Monica. So does the Father, and He’s taking care of you honey, He’s here and He’s taking care of you."

Nodding Monica sighed and looked up at the beautiful cross displayed on the wall in front of them, she smiled when she saw Steve walk towards the candles, he had picked up a match and was lighting a couple. She smiled as he lit more than she thought he would. He lit one for his children and wife, one for Mike, one for his brother and Amanda, one for the twins, one for her, one for Andrew, one for all the other angels, and as he lit the last one and sat down beside her taking her hand in his she faced him, he simply smiled and pointed to the candle simply.

"Somewhere up in heaven, God is watching, and although he needs not pray, he is thinking of lighting a candle for you, so that you know he’s watching. Well, he’s watching." She looked at him. He had changed so much since they had discovered Andrew was an angel.

"God loves you Steven Michael Alexander Sloan."

"I know he does, a little angel told me so," he said smiling as he pulled her close.

"A little angel that I adore more than anything in this world, well besides my wife and children," he said smiling.

The tall dark haired form surveyed the friends and sighed, this wasn’t going to be easy. No cancer case was simple, but this one would be so hard, for him and everyone. He didn’t want to have to do this, he had been told nothing more than ‘you are here to give a message and be prepared.’ Then he had been told to leave, so now here he stood alone in the back of the chapel, shaking his head he slowly walked out of the chapel, his mind wandering away from what he had just seen.

Monica sat quietly in the hospital room, the limp hand held between hers. She had been told only an hour and a half ago that Andrew was suffering from pneumonia and that he was very ill. They had him wired and on every medication Monica could think of as she thought of how many Will was able to rattle off to her. Suddenly the door opened and Kathy walked in, smiling slightly at Monica.

"Steve said you’d be here, Monica, why don’t you go home, I’ll stay here with Andrew, you need sleep honey, and you’re not going to get any sitting here and worrying." She spoke softly. Kathy was a beautiful woman of thirty-nine, she had long blond hair and bright gray eyes.

"I’d only be worrying at home too."

"Yes, but at least there you can lie down and worry. Monica, honey, you getting sick won’t help. He’s sick enough for both of you. Will is off in half an hour, he said he would come in and join him."

"I know, I just feel like if I leave, I’ll lose him."

"Not on my watch sister," Kathy said smiling as she hugged Monica close.

"Steve’s at home, watching the kids, hopefully not feeding them pizza again. Please honey, just go home, for the sake of this old mother hen."

"You’re not a mother hen Kathy, it’s just I’m so tired of this stupid tumor, I don’t understand anymore why this is happening, and honestly I would feel better if I just had some idea of what was going on." Monica explained, tears in her eyes. Kathy smiled and gently pushed a strand of hair away from Monica’s face. If she had been told she would be visited by two angels twenty years ago she would have laughed, not realizing that Steve had known these angels all his life, but now she couldn’t imagine a minute without Monica, Andrew or the twins in her and the Sloan’s life. Kathy had four older brothers growing up, and now had two younger ones, in a way Monica and Amanda were her only sisters. She loved them both so much.

"God’s timing is not our timing, isn’t that what you told me fifteen years ago when I fell in love with a stubborn, bull headed cop who played tough but was so much sweeter than he played?" Monica smiled slightly.

"Yeah, yeah I did.." Monica said remembering that day.

FLASHBACK
Monica sat down beside the young nurse, as she tried not to cry, wishing Steve hadn’t said those things. She had only wanted him to like her, now he was angry with her.

"Kathy," Monica said. The young woman shook her head towards the older angel.

"No, I can’t. I can’t Monica, I’m sorry," she cried. Monica placed a hand under the woman’s chin and raised her head so she could look into her eyes.

"Katherine Maria Cooper, listen to me, you are a beautiful woman, with all the passion in the world, and some day you will be able to give it. Until then you have to wait. God’s timing is not our timing Kathy. He brought you Steve, and yes somewhere inside of me, I do believe you and Steve were meant for each other."

"I love him so much," she cried. Monica smiled and held her close.

"I know you do, I know. He loves you as well Kathy, he does, I know you only see the rough outer layer, but inside he’s the kindest, most gentle human being I’ve ever met."

"I want to have his children," she cried.

"And he wants to father yours."

"God, please, if you can hear me, help me. I love your son so very much, with all my soul and every moment he spends apart from me, I fear I lose time."

"God can redeem time honey, he can and from what I’ve just been told you’ve got forever with Steven."
END OF FLASHBACK
Each woman lost in her own thought they smiled softly. Kathy looked over at Andrew and then back at Monica.

"I’ve been married for fifteen years, and in those fifteen years I never could have prayed for a better husband." Monica smiled.

"Steven is a wonderful person."

"Yes he is, thanks to you and Andrew."

"God had so much to do with it Kathy."

"I know, now would you please go home. Just for a little sleep. You need it, and there’s no use in denying this. I’ll call you if anything changes. Just please, if not for me, for him go home and get some sleep."

Monica nodded and walked towards Andrew, kissing his forehead she smiled.

"All right, I’ll see you later tomorrow then, goodnight Andrew, bye Kathy," the older woman nodded and watched the angel leave. Smiling she sat down beside Andrew, her mind still drifting in and out as she thought about their past.

Monica wasn't asleep, only thinking about her best friend, tears running down her face, suddenly a bright light illuminated her dark room, and as she looked up a gasp caught in her throat.

"What's wrong? Why are you here?"

"Hello Monica," Adam said softly as he came and sat down next to Monica, who was now sitting up and looking at him with worry all over face

"Why are you here?" she repeated.

"I'm here, to help, here to keep an eye on Andrew, to give a message, and prepare you all for that which is coming."

"What's coming.....Sam has told me the same thing...I just want to know what is going on!" she cried out in desperation.

"Monica, calm down, The Father's time is not your time. Just have faith."

"I'm really trying to here I’m really trying to...but.......you have no idea what I'm going through right now."

"Monica, every angel has been watching you and Andrew fight this off for six months, we've tried to be patient, but all of us want answers. You and your twins and Andrew more than anyone I'm sure. I'm here for Andrew, and that's all I will say."

"What do you mean, you give this piece of advice that I don't need and then your just going to leave and I’m going to be all by myself...again?"

"You're never alone Monica, you of all people know this better than anyone. You were never alone." with that Adam disappeared. The room becoming black once again. Monica stared into the darkness; she buried her head in her hands and began to sob. Monica jumped as she heard the phone rang loudly in her ear. Picking it up she said hello.

"Monica, its Kathy," the voice said, Monica knew she had been crying, and instantly her heart jumped into her throat.

"Kathy what’s wrong?"

"Monica, he's.... he's oh God Monica, about three minutes ago, he's flat lined. Um they've gotten him back a couple times, but uh, they lost him again. Please hurry."

"What no...it can't be." Monica flung the phone got up and left. In the still room the only thing that you could hear was Kathy's voice saying

"Hello Monica are you there? Hello?"

Monica broke nearly every speed limit in the state she pulled into the hospital, she was met quickly by Will.

"He's been flat for almost two minutes now."

"But when I left he was fine! Please let me go see him!" As they entered the room, she watched Mike put the paddles to Andrew's chest.

"CLEAR!" He yelled. Monica watching in horror as he convulsed on the table. Adam stood by his side, touching his limp arm

"Clear!" Again nothing happened.

"Andrew no.......Adam please don't take him!" Monica gripped Amanda and Kathy's hand as she watched, tears trailing down the all too familiar trial on her cheeks.

"Clear!" Mike yelled again.

"Andrew, it's me Adam."

"Clear!"

"Andrew, please," Monica said.

"Clear!"

"Andrew, I know you've been scared."

"Clear!"

"Time of death..." a nurse began.

"No, dammit NO! CLEAR!" Mike screamed again, his adrenaline running quickly.

"There's nothing to fear Andrew," Adam said as he watched his friend.

"CLEAR!" Monica shook her head, Kathy placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Sir he’s gone," a nurse said. Mike scowled at her and put the paddles to Andrew’s chest one last time.

"CLEAR!" He yelled, with a hard jolt.

Chapter Eight
Beep...beep...beep...beep...beep...beep... Monica sighed in relief at the all too annoying sound. For the first time she was thrilled to hear that constant sound, for it was reminder that her best friend and soul mate was still alive. Mike slouched forward, his face ashen white and fear written all over his face. Adam smiled softly and touched his friends shoulder. Mike rushed past his friends and family. Gripping the railing just outside the room. He heard the door open and close, not surprised to feel what was probably Monica's hand on his shoulder. Turning around he saw the tears in her eyes. He pulled her close, crying on her shoulder.

"Dear God, I can't lose him Moni, I just can't. Not as an angel, a friend or my son."

"I can't either, but all we can really do is have faith."

"Oh God Moni, I was a horrible man, at first then, you and that angel in there, only in the form of a little loving dedicated boy. You helped me change, you started it all."

"Yes, I know but there's nothing else left to do but wait and pray." Monica replied, the tears coming not as fast as they had before.

"Thank you for being the most wonderful daughter I could ever ask for. Let's go in there and see our angel boy," he whispered. Although still unsteady and frightened for Andrew, he had some more confidence. They entered the door and saw Andrew just lying there.

"Oh God," said Monica, "thank you that you've taken care of your son."

'You're more than welcome my child.' She heard softly and smiled, the first time in weeks she had heard the father herself. Monica leaned forward and kissed Andrew’s forehead.

"Oh Andrew..." Monica said as Mike came near his bedside and took his other limp hand, "I don't know if you hear me but I love you so much Andrew. So does Mike, and everyone else," she said Mike nod slowly, as if unable to speak.

"He can always hear you in spirit Monica, although it seems very much that he’s human right now, he’s more angelic than ever." Sam said.

"Sam, I can’t lose Andy, so whatever you’re here for, please just tell me now."

"Monica, I’m not here to take Andrew away from you, neither was Adam. We were here to deliver a message, and prepare you all for something big."

"This wasn’t that something?" Monica said. Sam smiled and took her hand as he looked down at his old friend.

"Hello old friend, Andrew, I know Adam already told you, but well I’m simply going to reinforce it and tell Monica," Monica watched as she saw the soft side of Sam for nearly the second time in her angelic career. Sam gently ran a hand down the side of Andrew’s pale bony cheek.

"Andrew will recover from this Monica, I’ve got that on the highest authority. However, it will be a rough ride, this isn’t going to be the only time you will come close to losing him. As soon as he’s recovered a little more, the father is giving him a month and two weeks off, to fully recover, it will take that much time, and you probably won’t see him very often between then, but it will all be worth it, because once you’re all past this, not just the angels and Andrew, but Mike, Steve, William, Amanda and Katherine, once you’re all past this, you will understand things you never understood before, and Michael, your sons will be capable of shining a new light on you’re point of views as a doctor, as a man, as a widower and as a father."

"So there is a reason?" Sam smiled and looked at Michael.

"Michael, thirty five years ago you would have scoffed if an angel had told you that God can make the best of every situation, you had thought you destroyed a relationship that in reality God had only begun. You thought you were going to lose something that God had just given you and you only then begun to realize it all.
Michael you’re first wife died of breast cancer. Now, the father didn’t want that to happen, however it was her time, and it taught you the frailty of life and that it is not to be taken lightly, you also learned that through your son when you almost lost him after he fell out of the tree. Your second wife came along three years later, when Andrew was seven. She was able to touch not only you but Andrew in a way only a mother can, and yes, to Andrew, she will always be his mother, because at that moment he was very human and needed to be loved by someone more than Monica, because he knew deep down, Monica was unable to give him that love at the time. With your second wife, you not only learned to love another woman, but you learned to love your children, your sons Andrew, and Steven.
Michael you didn’t need an angel to understand that when you saw how well those two got along. You knew they were brothers.
With your second wife you made a son, a beautiful creation that, before Kelly came along, you never thought possible. The creation, being William. You loved Will with everything you had, and you loved the other two with everything you had, because at that point you understood that simply because, you did not give birth to a child, didn’t mean he wasn’t yours.
Yes Michael, Andrew is an angel, but in his heart, you’re the only biological father he will ever have and the only one he ever wants. God didn’t give you Andrew so he could rip him away again by telling you he was an angel.
He gave you Andrew so you could prepare yourself for fatherhood and being a wonderful husband. God was so proud of the choices you made after you married Kelly.
When she died Andrew was there for you and her. He took her home, and yes it was very hard for him to do and to watch it, because he loves you both so much, most angels never get the chance to feel that.
There’s more Michael, you didn’t know it, but Andrew was having trouble dealing with this at a time, with understanding things about his job. He had been taking so many people home from the war, from cancer, and many little children who had been beaten. He begged the father to let him take the risk of becoming a son to an abusive family. He wanted it, he knew all the risks Mike, he didn’t enter the situation unaware, and the Father didn’t want it for his son, but he understood that Andrew needed to learn things. You may think what Andrew did was stupid, but I’m telling you right now, there was never a moment in Andrew’s human or angelic life that he did not love you the way a father loves his children, the way God loves you."

"I would never think he was stupid," Mike whispered as he gazed down at his son.

"Mike, I know you will see Andrew as an angel forever, but you hold onto the love you have for him, because it’s the only thing you’re going to have when your time comes, the love of your three boys, their wives or soul mates, and their children. I know it’s confusing at times, because Andrew and Monica can’t have children, but look at it this way, they may never give birth to children, however the father gave them two little gifts, twin gifts, and these twins are the lights of not only their lives, but yours as well, am I correct."

"Yes. I love the twins like my grandchildren."

"They are your grandchildren Mike, Monica is your daughter-in-law, and Andrew is your son, God doesn’t want you to see them so much as just angels, he wants you to see them as your family, because that’s what they are."

"I will," Mike whispered. Sam nodded and looked over at Monica.

"God heard you that night twenty years ago Monica, he heard you when you and Andrew sat on the front porch, wishing you had the chance to be parents, like Mike had been to you all those years ago. He heard you and he gave you two angels that love you more than anything except God."

"We love them too."

"I know you do, and so does God. No, two angels can’t fall in love, and they can’t get married, and physically they cannot carry a baby around full term and give birth to it. It’s not possible, because they are angels. However that does not mean that when God created you he wasn’t thinking of the other. You two were made only weeks apart, and God knew exactly what he was doing. You are soul mates, and had you been human, you would be married. You’re hearts were made for each other. Made to see God and each other in every situation, able to find each other and God in the darkness, and made to help and protect those angelic twins you love so very much."

"Andrew isn’t going to die?" Monica asked. Sam smiled, squeezing her hand again.

"No honey, he isn’t, and the Father says if you wanna hear it from his mouth that he would be all too happy to tell you." Monica shook her head, Sam’s word was enough for her.

Chapter Nine
The twins had arrived a little over five minutes ago, just as Steve was walking through the hall, holding his son in his arms, and his wife's hand, Moni had opted to remain home, because she was worried. Seeing the twins sitting outside, he decided this was probably a good moment for them to talk about a few things. Looking at his wife he handed her Billy and smiled.

"Take Billy, I'm going to go talk to my niece and nephew."

"All right honey, just remember they love you," she whispered. Kissing her on the lips he watched her walk away, his son in her arms. He smiled slightly and ran a hand through his dark brown, graying hair. Trying to think of what to say to the twins he sighed and sat down next to them, he was surprised when Brianna scooted over onto the other side of him.

"Hey Steve," Bryan whispered. Smiling Steve gently placed a hand around his shoulders.

"You know sometimes, someone we love so much, have a hard time dealing with what’s happening in their own lives that they often forget that they’re not the only ones trying to deal with all that’s going on. I have the feeling that you guys haven’t talked much to anyone about how you’re feeling, have you."

"Who’s around to talk to about it? Every time we wanna talk about it, about anything, Andrew seems to get sick, or Monica is to busy to talk to us. We understand what’s going on Uncle Steve, we really do, it’s just well we’ve got feelings too and we’re just as worried as they are." Brianna explained as Steve nodded.

"Wanna talk to me about it?"

"You sure you wanna hear it?" Bryan asked. Steve smiled and rubbed the young man’s back.

"I’m here for you son, I can wait to see my brother, because I have the feeling he’d want me to worry about you guys first."

"I just wish there was something we could," Brianna whispered.

"Is that because you’re frightened for him, or because you feel left out."

"Should we feel left out, I mean, I really don’t wanna consider dad’s illness like something I want to be a part of."

"Bryan, I understand that, but even thought Andrew’s illness is a horrible thing, that doesn’t mean you can’t want to help him get better."

"It’s like very time we want to help, we get pushed out of the way, I know Monica isn’t trying to do it, neither is anyone else, but it just feels like that," Brianna explained.

"What would you like to do, to help him?"

"I don’t know, sometimes he has trouble sleeping, and says he needs something to get his mind off the pain. Monica usually stays with him, but I thought maybe I could read to him," Brianna said.

"I know dad is uncomfortable at times with Monica helping him, I mean, she’s a woman, and well Andrew’s a man, I sometimes wonder if he’d feel better if maybe I helped him instead of Monica, you know get dressed."

"So basically you want Monica to back off a little more and let you guys in."

"Well yeah, I mean is that so wrong?"

"No, no not really. You’re thinking of what might help Andrew be more comfortable. I see nothing wrong in that."

"We love our dad, but we don’t wanna feel like we’re pushing Monica away either."

"Do you think she’d feel pushed away if you maybe asked a few of these questions?"

"I don’t really know," Brianna said.

"Okay, well how else do you feel? Emotionally?"

"I’m angry, I mean, I know God doesn’t cause pain, and he doesn’t like seeing Andrew suffer, but I can’t help but think that he could stop all of this," Bryan explained.

"Ah, I see. Bryan, no one has that answer as to why bad things happen to good people, no one but God. Not even Andrew knows that answer. It’s not punishment, believe me, Andrew has been a wonderful man for as long as I can remember."

"It’s hard, not to be angry at him, I mean, I try not to get angry, but I so badly want to blame someone for what’s been happening," Brianna said.

"Why?"

"I don’t know, it’s almost as though it would make me feel better, just knowing there was some sort of reason."

"What about Andrew, are you angry at him?"

"Some times," Bryan whispered.

"Tell me why," Steve said softly. Brianna took a deep breath.

"Well, it’s like he hasn’t tried. I mean I know he has, we’ve seen him try, but I can’t help but thing he could be trying harder to get better. He is always talking about wanting to die, Monica said he attempted it once, but well, I dunno I just think he’s giving up to easily."

"Tell me something, when you look at Andrew, before this what did you see?"

"A strong man, not just a man, but an angel as well. Someone who cared about everyone, and loved God with all his soul," Brianna said.

"Looking at him now, what do you see? Do you see a man that has dedicated his life to God, loves him, but is willing to accept what’s been happening? Or do you see this man who has given up so easily, that it seems like he never even tried?" The twins were quiet.

"Yes, but is attempted suicide really accepting your fate, or giving up your fate?" Bryan asked. Steve looked at him.

"You find the answer to that, and I’d say you just learned a lesson. Bryan, accepting fate is allowing something to run it’s course, but it’s also the lack of fear. Now Andrew has been fearful at times, but at the same time, he has continued to try and get better, he hasn’t refused his medication. He wants to get better, now that is strength."

"He tried to kill himself," Brianna said.

"Yes, and that was wrong, it’s not his life to take is it?"

"No, it’s God’s."

"But God doesn’t take life, he gives it," Steve said.

"I’m so scared we’ll lose him," Brianna whispered.

"Why?"

"Because he’s human."

"No, he seems human, but he’ll never stop being the angel you’ve always known and loved. Although he is in human form, and is experiencing pain, he will always be God’s messenger."

"I didn’t think about it like that," Brianna said softly.

"You know, I bet you don’t know the story, and I’m sure one day Andrew and Monica will tell you the complete story, or at least I hope so, but there was once a time when we all knew how you two are feeling, Andrew, William and I."

"Really?" The twins asked simultaneously.

"Oh yeah, my mom, got really sick from cancer, it was a while back, but well, Andrew hadn’t told us who he really was yet, I was messed up from the Vietnam war, and poor Will was just a little kid. We didn’t know what to do, I mean Will was too young to understand very much, he knew what was happening and all, he says that’s why he became what he is today. I was going to be a cop, but well it became so complicated. I met Kathy, and well it goes from there. We were so scared. We didn’t know what to do, Monica urged us to continue being around her, Andrew couldn’t help but lose it at times, he’d already lost one mom, whom he hardly remembers, he wasn’t really ready to lose another one. It came as a shock, but we all coped. We talked to her, kept her company, read to her, held her sometimes. Finally, before dying, we were all in there, Andrew revealed who he really was, and escorted mom home, it was beautiful, because we knew and got to watch her finally at peace. It meant a lot, and it meant twice as much that Mom and Andrew wanted us there."

"I know Andrew isn’t going to die, at least I do now, but what can we do?"

"Exactly what you said you wanted to do, talk to him, can’t hurt anything. They love you so much, but they don’t know you’re hurting unless you tell them that."

"Thanks Steve," Bryan whispered. Steve smiled and held them close for a moment.

"Any time guys, anytime."

"Can we go in and see him now?" Bryan asked.

"I think Andrew would love seeing you."

Chapter Ten
Andrew sat quietly in the hospital room, hooked up to an oxygen tube as he stared out the window, it looked about how he felt out there. The rain was pouring down on the city, thunder and lightening, he was awake and feeling horrible.

He had been in the hospital for almost a week now, and although the pneumonia was slowly getting better Andrew still felt as though he was dying. Every muscle hurt, as well as he could barely move. Mike had been in a couple hours ago to talk with him about some things, but Andrew hadn’t been very interested at the time. Monica had taken the twins home, and would be back sometime tomorrow. He just wanted to get out of bed, away from all these stupid machines, he wanted to sit and watch the rain fall, like he had all those years ago. It hadn’t really been that long, it couldn’t have. He smiled, Steve have been married for awhile now, with two beautiful children the youngest close to six now. The eldest only four years older and of course just like her mother.

William had married two years back, and had no children, but Andrew knew he wanted some. Suddenly the door opened, Andrew was surprised as well as pleased to see William and Steve walk in, Steve was pushing a wheelchair, and Will had a grasp of an IV pole.

"What’s this?" Andrew asked. Will smiled. At thirty the young man was an amazing person, Andrew had to smile, in theory he was only six years older than Will, and six years younger than Steve. Mike and Kelly often had a joke that they had single handedly raised the next generation of the Cartwright boys. Except that Steve was the mischievous one, Andrew had been the studious one, and William had been the not so connected one.

"We’re busting you out of here," Will said.

"You’re what?"

"Remember how when we were younger you use to love to sit out on the back porch and watch the rain fall, and listen to the thunder and lightening?" Steve said.

"Yeah, I still do."

"Exactly, and how when I was six you told me it was God’s way of showing he still had power and was always in charge."

"Yeah," Andrew said smiling…

FLASHBACK
Andrew, and William sat out on the porch swing, Andrew’s favorite spot to think, the twelve year old boy sighed as he watched the rain fall all around him, his impatient little brother by his side, wondering why they were out there.

Andrew was tall now, about 5’4, lanky, and very skinny. He had bleached blond hair and bright emerald green eyes. His face also skinny with a well outlined jaw. He was handsome in a young sort of way. Kelly often commented that as soon as Andrew really grew into that body of his he would become a handsome man. Steve often commented that he had a frat boy face.

William was small compared to his brothers, having not grown yet, only being six, he was short, skinny and had bleach blond hair as well, his eyes more of a blue green, he was smart and cute, his baby face already making him a bit of a ladies man at such a young age. While Mike didn’t like this Kelly knew by the age of eighteen that Will would probably already have the love of his life.

"What’s to see?" the six year old asked as he looked up into Andrew’s emerald green eyes.

"Well, I don’t know, it just makes me feel good to know, that well someone is up there," just then the back door opened.

"Hey you two, what are you doing out here?" Steve asked, at eighteen he was handsome young man, tall with dirty blond hair and bright icy blue eyes. He had filled out so much since the days when he had been a skinny twig. He had muscles that were now well defined, since he began playing football in high school. He was strong, and already had a girlfriend as well as a future.

"Andy says watching the rain fall gives him peace?" Steve smiled and took his youngest brother into his arms. No one had told him that at ten he would gain a younger brother and only two years later another one. However, Steve loved every bit of it; he adored both his younger brothers. Sitting down beside Andrew, Will in his lap Steve leaned back, putting one arm around Andrew’s shoulder and chair. He gazed at the gray clouds as the rain fell hard.

"It’s amazing," he whispered. Andrew nodded.

A lot had changed in the eight years Steve had known Andrew, any bruises that Andrew had eight years ago had never come back, Mike hadn’t touched his son in a cruel way since marrying Steve’s mother.

"I don’t understand," the young boy said. Andrew ruffled his brother’s blond hair and chuckled.

"Look over at that cloud Will, tell me what you see?" Andrew said pointing to a cloud far in the distance.

"I dunno, a cloud?"

"You wanna know what I see?" Andrew said. Steve was smiling, he had to smile, his brother always had a way at finding God in everything they did, little did he know that in time he would understand exactly why that was.

"What?" Will asked.

"I see power, but not a harsh power, not the kind of power a man has over his government or even like dad when he grounds us, I’m talking a power unlike that of any other. The power of love, passion, kindness and yet, a small reminder ‘I’m right here.’ I see God telling me that everything will be all right someday."

"Wow, how do you do that?" Steve asked as he looked at the cloud in question. Suddenly a large bolt of lightening hit and then a loud roll of thunder. Will smiled and pointed.

"I saw it! Andy I saw it! I saw God’s power. It’s as though he’s talking to me!" Will said. Steve smiled, he had felt it too, as though God was almost showing off for them, letting them know there was nothing in this world to fear, because in the end it would be all right.

"This is amazing Andy, how long have you done this?"

"I dunno really. It’s as though I’ve always loved it. I remember watching it with Monica for awhile."

"This really is amazing," Steve whispered. They sat closer, as the three watched more intently, each finding their own little meaning in the beautifulness of the thunder storm.
END OF FLASHBACK

"Well, we’re breaking you out, Steve please assist your younger brother from the bed," Steve smiled and reached towards his brother, taking back the blankets, he smiled.

"You always did love sweat pants," he said seeing that’s what Andrew was wearing. He lifted his brother out of the bed. Surprised and somewhat worried about how light he seemed to be. Placing him in the chair he helped Andrew pull on a light hooded sweatshirt and then rain jacket.

"Ready?" Will asked as he hooked Andrew’s IV bag onto the pole, he wasn’t worried at all about the machines, Andrew didn’t really need them now, and it would only take a little while.

"For what?" Andrew asked again. Steve smiled and pushed his brother out the door, as Will trailed behind with the IV bag. After about ten minutes, Andrew found himself and his brothers seated out on an over hanging porch, it had a porch swing and everything. Andrew chuckled. Will smiled as Steve lifted Andrew out of the chair and sat him on the swing, sitting himself down beside, Will placed the pole behind the swing where it couldn’t be hit and sat down on Andrew’s other side.

"You guys, does Mike know you’re doing this?"

"No, should he. Andrew, do you remember when I was ten and had the chicken pox, you carried me outside, and sat with me during a storm. I’m repaying you for teaching me so many things. Andrew, I know you’re an angel and that technically you’ll never really age, but I want you to know that come tomorrow or eighty five years from now I’ll never see you as anything less than my older brother who took the time to teach me so much." Andrew smiled, he felt so loved at this moment.

"Andrew, I’ve known you since I was ten years old, and we hit it off right away. You were four and I instantly felt as though I had to protect you, at the time I didn’t realize you needed protecting, but I’ve never stopped thinking of you as my brother, even after you told us you were an angel. So from two loving brothers to the middle child, we love you and we want you to find God in this storm," Steve said rubbing his brother’s back.

"Thanks guys, you don’t know how much this means."

"Yes we do Andrew, we’ve both been here, Will with chicken pox and losing mom, me with the war. You helped us discover ourselves and in the process a bigger family. So now, we’re repaying the favor. You need angels, granted we don’t light up like you, and we don’t get to see heaven until the day we die, but well consider us for one night messengers from God," Steve said.

"Yeah, God wants you to know something Andrew. He loves you so very much, and even thought you may not feel him, doesn’t mean he’s not there. He’s been here all along, so many have and will continue to be. God loves you Andrew, and he doesn’t want you to give up, he knows you’re in pain, and he knows it hurts, but he’s so proud of the fight you’ve been putting up. He wants you to know that, he wants you to understand that it’s okay to be sad, hurt and scared, it’s normal," Andrew smiled as he gripped both the men’s hands.

"You two are amazing, and I thank God for you two. How did I get so lucky to have a family like this?"

"Blessed be he who waits," Steve quoted.

"I love you two," Andrew whispered.

"We know," Steve said chuckling. Andrew smiled, and with all his strength he pulled both his brother’s close and together they watched the rain fall around the hospital, they listened to the thunder crash and the lightening strike.

Chapter Eleven
Monica sat on the porch swing, quietly staring off into the darkness and rain, she wasn’t sure what to do anymore, she missed their usual assignments and she prayed that this would end soon and they would all just go home. She heard the door open and close, she didn’t have to look up to know who it was.

Tess sat down beside her former charge. Tess loved Andrew and Monica as her own, and she was so very proud of both of them. They always seemed to have so much to give. The father was proud of them as well.

"I met this angel, a long long time ago, probably close to the first World War, and she was this angel that was on loan, well I thought she was this little impulsive thing, but she was able to teach me otherwise, she was such a beautiful little angel. So naive and at the same time so tuned in. She spent many years with me, and I have to admit I loved her terribly, I can remember after two years as a case worker she met this angel, he was also a friend of mine, I had known him for years, they didn’t get along to well…"

FLASHBACK
"Look Monica, maybe we got off on the wrong track, I was a caseworker once too, and I might be able to help you."

"Just because I’m a rookie doesn’t mean I’m incompetent!" She yelled turning around and running through the next train car, and straight into Tess. Stepping back Monica got a good look at her supervisor, and knew instantly she was in trouble now. Tess had her hands on her hips, a look on her face that said I’m cross.

"Tess."

"Don’t Tess me, Miss Wing. Andy is my friend."

"Obviously," she said rolling her eyes.

"You know I love you Miss Wings, and I love Andrew too. Love is like air there’s plenty of it to go around Remember we’re all on the same team here. Don’t forget who’s team we’re on."

"But Andrew keeps trying to tell me what to do with my assignment."

"He’s just trying to help Monica."
END OF FLASHBACK

"But you know something, within weeks they both taught me something about love, they seemed to have enough love for each other as well as myself. Now, nearly fifty years after meeting one another, they’re closer than ever."

"Tess," Monica began.

"No, just listen for a moment. You’ve spent all these months trying to talk, trying to do everything for everyone else, sit back for one moment and remember. Remember not only all the good things you’ve done for other people, but for Andrew, and myself, and what we’ve done for each other. Just think about it."

FLASHBACK
"Why don’t you ask the man downstairs?" Tess said, just as Andrew came out doing a small tap and waved his arms smiling.

"Andrew, you’re the man downstairs."

"Yes, yep been down there for awhile now. It’s kinda like a museum, and I can hear everything down there. Oh and I found out that Tuesday is blues day, Wednesday is Jazz and Thursday is Karaoke, but that’s okay, because I have a really good set of ear plugs."

"You’re here to take Sam home?"

"Yeah, Shouldn’t be to long now."

"So that’s the message I’m preparing him for, Sam you’re going to die."

"Monica, everyone is dying."

"But if you’re here why am I here."

"Because Sam needs that message. And you’re gonna give it to him. Oh and I have a message for you, work on those jokes Miss Wings, your timing stinks" Tess said coming out. Andrew laughed.

"I’m not very good at this."

"Don’t worry you’ll be great," Andrew said reassuringly.

"You bet she will, cause you’re gonna help her," Tess said, Andrew frowned slightly.

Monica walked into the office just as Andrew walked towards her, the phone in his hand, the receiver in his other hand holding it out.

"The angel of Death is on hold," he said. She chuckled slightly going to the file cabinet.

"I got a hold of someone at the… hello, yeah finally, I’m looking for someone. No, no ma’am I don’t know her name. Well I know they called her the countess. Ahhh sure, my name is Andrew." Monica looked at him, chuckling slightly as he frowned.

"No ma’am I don’t have a last name either," he said. He paused.

"Hello, hello… this three dimensional living is very limiting," he said as he put the phone down. Monica touched his arm, a smile on her face.

"Andrew, calm down, now remember we’re looking for anyone who played at the club, blues jazz, funk, B&R."

"It’s R&B and no says Funk anymore."
End of Flashback
FLASHBACK
"you know this is the toughest assignment an angel of D can get, sitting around waiting to get the word. It’s just… too hard."

"But I thought you liked being an angel of death," Monica said. Andrew looked at her, confused and then shook his head.

"Oh no, I do, I do. Sometimes you know the getting there. But attending the murder of a child, that’s why we take shifts." He said. Tears forming in his green eyes. Monica hadn’t known the angel all that long, but she could see he had a beautifully passionate and loving heart. One that she knew would be easily and often broken.

"I prayed for you."

"I know, God heard you, and he sent me."

"I want my mommy and daddy."

"I know, I know, you’ll see them again in this beautiful place where you can sit with God and talk to him. You’ll see them again in heaven, but you get to go there first." He said kissing the girl’s cheek. Unable to keep his own tears from coming. She nodded.

Andrew lifted her into his arms and carried her into heaven.

End of Flashback
FLASHBACK
"Never, never forget max, when god is no longer real to you, or you feel as if you’ve lost your faith, just go back, just go back and he will be there waiting for you."
END OF FLASHBACK

"You know it’s a funny thing about being afraid, kinda has this way of getting in your face so you can’t see, and there’s always another choice out there, but as long as your afraid you’ll never see it."
End of Flashback
Flashback
Tess stood looking at the greasy angel, fuming with anger. He was turning red.

"You stole my car! You stole it and then you killed it! Look at this angel of death and kill my car! That car was spotless!"

"And it will be again, I.. I promise."

"Oh!"

"I promise!"

"Oh!" Andrew hid behind the hood of the car again, watching Tess leave.
End of flashback
FLASHBACK
Andrew grabbed the note and read it, his heart contracting in fear, he looked heaven ward, not sure why. Sulking over to the stairs he sat down hard, tears running down his face now as he controlled his anger, frustrations and confusion.

"Is this it?" He asked shaking the paper. "Is it, is this why I’m here? To watch these people take their lives before their time? I’ll do it, I’ll bring them home, but I know it’s not what you want, can’t be what they want. I don’t understand." He breathed deeply. "I’m here, if you can use me, today for life, tell me what to do."

There was silence and then he heard it, a car running from in the garage. He looked up, sending a prayer of thanks and hurried off into the garage. He wasn’t surprised when he found them sitting in the car. He knelt down by the window.

"Andrew, what are you doing here? Get out," the older man said. Andrew shook his head as he began to glow.

"I can’t do that,"

"Oh my God, you’re an angel." the older woman whispered. Andrew smiled and nodded.

"Yes."

"Like a guardian angel?" She asked.

"No, I’m the angel that escorts people to the other side."

"An angel of death?" Andrew nodded.

"We try so hard. We tried to be good parents, we didn’t abuse those children." The woman cried.

"And God knows that, he made you wonderful parents, your protected your own kids, you took in other kids, and all those kids are going to need you when the truth comes out. And you should think of the children to come, God isn’t finished with you yet, he wants you to continued to give his little ones your love guidance and hope, you see there are more children for you. Believe me." He said. They nodded.

Andrew slowly walked towards Monica, she gently put an arm around his waist and hugged him.
END OF FLASHBACK
FLASHBACK
Andrew looked at Tess sadly, she had been talking to him, he knew that he hadn’t done well in gaining any of the kid’s trust. He looked at as she held his hands.

"It’s okay baby."

"I hate this part Tess," she nodded, and pulled him close holding him tightly.

"I know baby, I know." She said rubbing his back.

Andrew knelt her china, running his hand over her beaten and bruised cheek he sighed.

"It’s okay China, I’m here."

"It doesn’t hurt."

"I know, it’s God’s love." Monica appeared only moments after the young girl died. Monica began to cry and shake her head.

"No, she deserved better! She deserved a better angel!" She cried and then ran off.

"Monica!" Andrew yelled. Looking back down he sighed.
END OF Flashback
Flashback
Monica smiled as she saw Andrew standing up on the stage in his gray suit, in her mind, even as an angel the only way to describe him was cute!

"250!" Monica yelled, Andrew and Tess both looked at her, Andrew blushed.

"What are you doing Miss wings?"

"I don’t want him to feel cheap." She said.

Andrew entered the trashy room, and scowled as he looked at Monica and Tess.

"We’ve got problems," Monica whispered.

"Problems?! Monica we don’t even HAVE CHAIRS!" He yelled loudly.

"Well, um, we have time."

"She going to be here in two hours and I told her this was a nice place."

"Look, we’re here as back up, so would you chill your little angel butt and let us back you up!" Tess said.

Monica watched through the door as Andrew danced with Kate, she felt jealousy, and even some feelings, although she was an angel she was quickly loving this angel of death she had only known for two years. They were friends, but she wanted to be his best friend.

"I don’t know when you’re going to die Kate, but I do know that I’ll be here. To help you. God sends me when someone is going to die, and I’ll be here when it’s your time." he said kissing her hand goodbye.
End of flashback

"Come on Angel boy, we don’t wanna miss the bus!" She said blowing the whistle.

"I’m coming! Tess can an angel get a hernia?" He asked, surprised to see Raphael standing in front of her. She looked angrily at him.

"Raphael what are you doing here?"

"Where in the world’s Monica? You know something you’re not telling me." Tess said as the children got off the bus. Raphael took a deep breath.

"Ah, well, I’ve sorta been the inner city angel recently and Monica missed New York."

"The Coffee guy in Central park, right?" Andrew said watching him. He knew this would cause problems

"Didn’t think it mattered," he said, "does it?"

"Oh no, it doesn’t matter, it’s just that the All mighty God of the Universe, he had a plan. A little life or death situation an order to alter the course of human events and he expected it to be carried out that’s all!" She looked from Raphael to Andrew.

"Where’d you get this!" She said firmly, Andrew rose his hands in defense

Andrew stood on the dock as he tucked the things into the duffle bags, sunglasses on his head as he looked up to see Erin coming towards him.

"Hey, I missed you at the pool."

"I’m not in the mood to drown today," she said looking at him. Andrew cocked a grin and sighed.

"I’m not going to let anything happen to you." He said, he didn’t know what it was about this girl that made him want to simply hug her and shelter her from all the bad things.

"Your too late, I’m already dying and no one can stop it." She said. Andrew sighed and walked over towards the railing, sitting on it, placing his feet on the bench.

"Tell me something Erin, what do you think about dying? He said softly. She sat down beside him on the bench and snorted slightly. Andrew smiled.

"What?" He asked gently.

"Well, no one’s really come right out and asked me that before. Most people like to pretend like it’s not going to happen" She explained.

"I’m not most people." He said firmly yet softly, wanting her to understand he could be trusted.

"I’ve been watching you. Do I know you from somewhere?"

"Um, well I do a lot of work at St. Sebastian’s Hospital."

"I’ve been to St. Sebastian’s, I knew I knew you from somewhere. Now we’re both at camp, wouldn’t that be cool if it was God’s way of telling us something?" Andrew sighed and got down so he could sit beside her.

"You know Erin, I don’t know what God’s plan is, but I do know this, you are a beautiful young woman, with a lot of life to live and I don’t think you should spend so much time worrying about death. There is so much research now so much hope, and look how long you’ve lived already." He said.

"Yeah but even that’s really scary now."

"Why," it was a plainly stated question. Erin ran a hand through her hair as she answered him.

"I knew this one girl, and one day she was painting some dead girl’s name on the face, and then two weeks later her own name was there."

"Well, Erin, it usually doesn’t happen that quickly."

"But it can. I’m so afraid that, I’ve never really told anyone before but…"

"So tell me," he said assuring.

"One night, I’ll be lying all alone in some hospital somewhere, and my mom will have gone home, the nurses will be down the hall drinking their coffee or whatever, and just like that I’ll die. All alone," she cried. Andrew looked her in the eyes.

"Erin, when that time comes, you will not be alone." He said softly, gently running his hand over her cheek, wiping away a tear.

"Oh please God, I really don’t wanna do this." he whispered tears cascading down his handsome pale face.. Suddenly he felt a hand on his arm, he looked over to see Raphael and Monica walk next to him. Raphael looked into his eyes.

"Don’t lose hope my friend," Raphael said.

"We’ve brought a miracle, it’s a little one, but it might be enough." Monica said softly. Andrew simply nodded, to afraid to talk.

Raphael’s gentle voice rang through the air as he sang the Spanish song, his guitar joining along in perfect harmony.

"Do you hear it, it’s my mother’s song, she use to sing it to me when I was a baby." She said dropping the pills onto the ground.

"What are you doing?" Nikki asked.

"It’s a Spanish lullaby about a baby who will always be taken care of by it’s mom," she whispered, then walked away. The three children turned around and saw Monica standing as she was light up brightly.

"So God is really up there."

"God is here, and he loves you. He wants you to live, But only you have the power to make that choice, your life is a gift from God, but he can’t live it for you."

"You don’t know what it’s like Monica, everyone looking at you, wondering if they can touch you or hug you, all you are to them is some disease. We’re tired of it."

"You made a pact to be together. and God wants you to keep it."

"Our pact was to die," Erin said. She was surprised as Andrew came to stand beside Monica, she could tell he had been crying, the trail on his face still vivid.

"God has a plan, for your life, there’s a reason for you to be living, if you take your life to soon, then you’ll never know, never find out what that reason is. Each one of you has a reason to be living, living with not dying from Aids."

"But what if I’m more afraid of living than I am of dying."

"Oh Erin, every single person wakes up every morning not knowing if they’re going to live or die today. But I do. And today is not your day"

"Then why doesn’t he just make us better?" Abbi said.

"Why can’t that be the plan?" Nikki asked.

"God is able to heal everything and everyone, he made you and can heal you, but your bodies were made to be the temples of something more than physical life, your spirits. The true you, your souls, that’s what God wants to heal today. He’s sorry and sad that this disease will take you from this earth one day, but nothing will ever take you away from God." Monica then bent down and picked up a stick as the girls began to cry, she drew a line between her and Andrew and the girls. Point to her side she looked at them.

"On this side you have death, and on this side you have life. God wants you to chose life." she said. Erin walked towards Monica and into her waiting arms, dropping the pills onto the ground she sobbed into Monica’s shoulder. Abbi quickly followed saying nothing, as she hugged Erin tightly.

Andrew looked over at Nikki, it wasn’t over yet, not until she also crossed the line. He thought.

"Well that’s okay, I’ll just die alone."

"No."

"It doesn’t matter for me, I already have lymphoma, I didn’t tell you because who needs another sad goodbye."

"Erin you’ve been a leader in death, now be a leader in life."

"You can fight this, it’ll be rough, but I’ll help you, you’ve gotta try, because you’re my best friend." Nikki sobbed as she gripped Erin tightly. Andrew let out a breath he had been holding, feeling himself waver slightly he grabbed Monica and buried his head into her hair, as he tried not to cry. He looked at her and then raised his head heaven ward, saying a soft thank you.
end of flashback

Flashback
"Tess, what do you think God had in mind when he created cows?"

"Well I wanna say hamburgers, but I don’t think that’s the right answer," Tess repeated. Monica laughed as she rubbed the cow’s nose.

"That was the doctor, they wanna do a biopsy." Andrew said.

"Oh dear."

"Cancer huh." Tess responded.

"You can never tell what the day will bring."

"At least I know what I’m doing here now." Andrew sighed.

"Oh you do, do you?"

"I’ve been down this road before Tess. Cancer, it’s a hard way to go home."

"Well there are a lot of ways to go home baby, and this part may not be the only surprise that happens here today," Tess said knowingly.

"Andrew?" Molly called.

"Yes ma’am." Andrew smiled and walked over to her."

"I know it’s not in your job description, but."

"Wrangler, fence mender, party planner, I do it all."

Andrew slowly walked towards the house, stopping he looked at it, shaking his head. He could feel Tess joining him at his side.

"It’s going to be hard to say goodbye."

"The Father doesn’t want you to say goodbye yet," she said. Andrew looked at her startled.

"What good could I possibly do here now!" He said.

"Well let’s just wait and see what good He can do." Andrew turned his head, angry and upset. In his mind he simple kept degrading himself.

‘You idiot Andrew, he asked you about heaven. What kind of angel are you,’ he thought as he shook his head again and walked inside. Tess watched him walk away and felt Monica step over beside her.

"He’s taking it hard."

"He thinks it’s his fault," Tess said softly.

"It isn’t."

"I know that, he knows that, and when the time comes so will he."

Andrew knelt down to pick up the broken pieces of glass, as he began to put it in his hand Monica stepped towards him.

"Andrew you should talk to her, you were there when it happened. How else will she know what happened that night?" she said softly.

"How’s that going to help her now? Her husband is dead, she may have cancer, and an Angel of God comes to her and say’s ‘I’m sorry I blew it!" He said.

"I don’t believe that."

"I do." he said and then looked back down.

"You talked to him and came back didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU!" She yelled. Andrew didn’t answer, he quickly looked down and then back up at her.

"Why didn’t you tell me."

"Because it’s not going to change anything, it’s not going to take away your pain."

"I wanna know what he said."

"No, no you don’t, believe me." he said trying not to cry. She glared at him.

"Get out! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND DON’T COME BACK UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO TELL ME THE TRUTH!" she yelled. Andrew quickly walked past her and outside, unable to stop himself, until he stopped just before the barn door. Tears falling down his face, his back to the house, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking what was in his heart. He felt the warmth of God’s love at his back, he knew Monica was there.

"Andrew."

"Monica, please, please don’t. I can’t bare it." He cried.

"So you’re worrying about how you’re going to feel? Molly needs to hear the truth, and yes it’s going to be hard., angels have free will too, you don’t have to do this. But I know that you will, because you’re a servant of God before you’re a servant of your own heart. That’s the difference between humans and angels." she whispered. Andrew couldn’t stop crying, but he nodded.

"I’m sorry, that’s it’s taken me so long to come to you with the truth, but sometimes even an angel loses his way," he whispered as he looked at Molly, now glowing with God’s love and light, tears still running down his face.

"Molly I know you’re need for answers, because I’ve been looking for them myself, What else could I have done, or said," he explained. He felt the sting long before he saw the hand. He felt the tears in his eyes, but he also heard the words of the Father, helping him tell her more.

"He loved me!" She yelled, looking at him.

"Yes, yes he did, and he loved his son, and he killed himself, and I don’t know why, and it’s been torturing me. Until I remembered something today, God knows why Jordan made that choice, in the moments between the time that I left, and he died, God was there. And whatever they shared during that time, is between the two of them now.

"And I’m just suppose to go on."

"You know Molly, I’ve been an angel for a long, long time. You know what amazes me the most about humans isn’t that some a few of you can’t go on, it’s that almost every one of you does." He said, he took a deep breath, "Despite this tough business of living, You get up every morning and start over again, because inside of you there’s this little voice, saying hope. And most of you, still listen to it." He stopped again, looking at her, "and the ones who don’t we have to return to the hands of the Father, where hope lives forever," he whispered. She looked at him as he gently shook his head, she began to sob into his arms, as he held her, allowing himself to cry as well as her. It hurt so bad, that he had failed, but then he heard something else. ‘You didn’t fail my child, you succeeded,’ he smiled slightly, and squeezed her tightly.

"Do angels ever have… I mean will I ever see you again?"

"I don’t know."

"What if I fry you up some chicken?" Andrew smiled and chuckled.

"Well, then you know, I might just have to come by some Saturday." He said hugging her.

"Go away, go away." Tess said to the cow. Andrew and Monica chuckled.

"Aw come on Tess, go make yourself a new friend," Andrew said.

"I don’t need a new friend, but I might need new boots after this."
End of Flashback



Chapter Twelve
Tess looked at Monica, seeing the tears running down her face at all the memories. Squeezing her tight she took a deep breath and continued.

"And of course the memory that brought us to you guys."
Flashback
Sam continued talking as they walked upstairs to the second floor. Monica stopped when she heard a familiar voice. She moved towards room 203, from which she heard the voice. The door was open, and inside sitting on the desk was her favorite blond haired green eyed angel. She knew she was no longer in angel form; she stood there for a few seconds. She smiled as Andrew looked over at her and did a double take, as if not believing she was really there. He smiled softly at her; he then looked back at the twenty some students in his classroom.

"I want you all to read chapter’s 8 and 9 tonight, there will be a quiz tomorrow, so read it, Eddie," Andrew said as the younger students smiled at him from the back row. Just then the ninth period bell rang and the kids all ran out, yelling and talking about this weekend. Monica slowly walked inside, Andrew smiled at her.

"Hey baby," he said as he stood up and hugged her tightly around the waist.

"Hello Andrew, I’ve missed you," Monica said hugging him back.

"How are you?" He asked as he stood back from her slightly, looking into her big brown eyes.

"I’m getting better by the second," she whispered.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I could ask you the same thing," she said.

"I’m on assignment."

"So am I," Monica said.

"Oh boy," Andrew said.

"Andrew what’s wrong?"

"Well, it’s just that I’ve never been on a case where ten angels have been needed," Andrew said.

"Twelve Andrew," Sam said walking in with Tess and Gloria, he shot Monica a glance and then smiled. Andrew looked at Sam, worry creasing his brow.

"Twelve, Sam," Andrew said.

"I know Andrew, let’s not think about that right now," Andrew nodded and was suddenly greeted by a firm hug from Gloria and Tess.

"I’ve missed you guys a lot," he said to them as he hugged Tess tightly. He then shook Sam’s hand, his eyes meeting Sam’s chocolate brown.

"We’ve missed you too Angel boy," Tess said.

"Sam, twelve angels?" Andrew asked again.

"Andrew, you already know what they know. Something bad is coming, and by the end of this assignment either one person is going to die or a bunch, that’s why there are twelve of you."

"No offense Sam, but I don’t think Twelve angels are going to stop something bad, especially if it has to do with my assignment," Andrew said.

"No, you’re probably right, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try, remember God has control over this entire case, son," Andrew nodded.

The house was quiet, Tess, Monica and Andrew were the only ones still awake. Most of the other angels had retired about three hours. Andrew and Monica sat next to each other on the porch swing, Monica had her legs drawn near her chest as she leaned towards Andrew, holding a warm cup of coffee in her hands. Andrew was slouching slightly, also holding a cup of coffee, he had one arm draped around Monica’s shoulders.

"Andrew, are you sure you don’t want to tell anyone?"

"Yeah, I’m positive he’ll cool off by Monday. Look Mon, you and I have been best friends for a long time now, you’re gonna have to trust me on this one."

"I trust you," she whispered, laying her head against his shoulder.

"I’m going to sleep babies, you probably should too," they smiled.

"We’ll be right in," Andrew said as h kissed Monica’s head. The two friends sat in each other’s arms for a few more moments.

"We should go to sleep," Andrew said. Monica nodded against his shoulder.

"Want to stay with me tonight?" He sounded almost frightened. Monica looked at him from her position and smiled softly.

"If you need me, come get me. I’m right across the hall," she said softly. Andrew nodded slowly and together the two made their way upstairs and to their own rooms.

The night was still, almost an eerie quiet. Everyone was asleep in the dark house, as the night continued on, the clock downstairs struck 2:31 A.m. and suddenly a piercing scream shattered the silence of the calm household.

Monica sat up in bed, knowing she heard something, and then she heard it again: Andrew crying out for help. Monica; fearing the worst rushed into her friend’s room. She stopped, through the darkness; she could see the moon beam falling on his form as he fought an invisible force in his bed, the meanwhile crying out for help and Monica.

"Andrew!" Monica called as she sat down on the bed and took her friend into her arms. Andrew instantly became aware of his surroundings when she touched him and he broke down into gut wrenching sobs as he buried his head in her stomach.

Monica looked up when she heard another pair of footsteps. Tess, Gloria, Jan and Adam all stood watching them. Monica could see tears running down their faces. She ran a gentle hand through his silky soft hair, her other hand rubbing his back.

She heard him mutter something as he pressed his face into her, she gently pulled him away to look him in the eye, he was still crying, and was almost in hysterics.

"Andrew, what did you just say?" She asked. He shook his head; she grabbed his head firmly, holding it.

"Andrew, what did you just say?" She repeated.

"We’re gonna die."

Andrew sat in his classroom grading papers, it was lunch period for most students right now, so he had lunch also. He had skipped breakfast that morning after waking up from another horrible nightmare, so now here he was hungry and had no real time to go anywhere and get any food. Just then there was a knock on the door, Andrew looked up to see Monica standing at the door, in her left hand she held up a Wendy’s bag and in the other hand she held a cup holder with two cups in it, one was larger than the other. She had a wide smile on her face as she looked into his green eyes.

Andrew watched her with love and fascination, she was so beautiful. Something about the way she smiled at him, the way she did everything for him and around him. He couldn’t help but feel love and passion towards her at times. He gazed at her adoringly as she slowly walked over to him and pulled a chair up to his desk. She looked at him and smiled as he seemed almost to be admiring everything she did.

"Frosty or Cherry Coke?" Monica asked as she set the bag and the drinks down on his desk. He shook his head slightly and smiled again.

"I split them both with you," he said smiling. She nodded and pulled out three burgers and some fries.

"I bought an extra one figuring since you skipped breakfast you’d probably be really hungry," he smiled again and nodded.

"Thank you, I’m starving," He said as he took one of the burgers.

"Andrew, did the dreams ever go any further than seeing the school in ruins?"

"No, all I remember seeing was you lying on the floor, along with Rafael, among the bodies. There were so many people that were dead. The floor was covered in blood or bodies," he said quietly as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"Did you see who did it?"

"No, never saw any more faces than the dead."

"Andrew, Monica can we talk?" Came a sudden voice from the door. The two friends looked up to see Dana Bradford standing at their door.

"Sure honey, come in and have a seat," Andrew said as he got up and closed the classroom door.

Suddenly there was a loud cry in the hallway, Andrew looked over at Monica and the two raced towards the hall, followed closely by Dana. David had Robbie up against the locker in a choke hold. Yelling vulgar obscenities, Andrew quickly left his friend’s side and headed towards David. He grabbed David’s left arm from behind and went to pull him away. David whirled around and in one swift motion had hit Andrew square in the jaw.

Andrew fell to the floor more from shock than pain. The blow had come as a surprise to him, and Andrew had never really been sucker punched before. What came next he had not been expecting. David pounced on him, almost like a cat would pounce on a mouse after getting it right where it was wanted. The next thing Andrew knew there was a cold sharp blade being pressed against his throat.
Monica watched in horror as the switch blade was harshly pressed against Andrew’s wind pipe. David had Andrew’s head bent back, exposing more of his neck. Monica’s brown eyes met Andrew’s so very emotional emerald eyes. She could see how hard he was trying not to show his fear.

Monica desperately wanted to hold Andrew’s hand. Panic was quickly creeping into his heart, and consuming his loving soul. Monica looked away from his frightened glare and at Rafael, who looked just as horrified as she did.

"David, please. Andrew didn’t do anything," she said. David looked at her, and then back at Andrew.

"He’s made my life a hell!" David bit. Andrew bit his lip as the knife pressed his skin a little harder. The look in David’s eyes sent shivers down his spine. David’s eyes were cold, and distant, almost murderous. Andrew’s eyes traveled to Monica, who looked terrified beyond reason.

"David, let him go," Rafael said.

"Shut up!" David yelled.

"David, if you let him go, we won’t tell anyone," Adam said.

"Right, like I’m going to believe you," David said with a sarcastic laugh.

"Davey, look at me," Dana said as she crouched beside her brother, who had Andrew pinned heavily to the ground.

"Davey, it’s me Dana. You’re little sister. Please don’t do this. If you hurt Andrew, you’ll get taken away from me, and then who will protect Amy and me from daddy?" Dana whispered. David said nothing, but she could tell he softened slightly at that. That was David’s sweet spot. He would always be his sisters’ protectors.

"Please Davey, let him go, he hasn’t done anything. It’s okay Davey, please just let Andrew go," Dana said, placing a hand on David’s empty hand.

"No Dana," David spoke. Monica felt a chill at those words. Was this what Andrew had seen in his dream? Were they all going to die like this?

"David, listen to her, man Andrew hasn’t done a thing," Robbie said.

"You stay outta this Robbie!" David bit. Andrew again winced as the blade bit into his neck slightly, drawing only a droplet of blood.

"David, there is a big difference between assault and murder," Dana said again.

"Shut up Dana!" David bit. Dana looked up at Monica, who was keeping her eyes on her best friend the entire time.

"This is the police David, drop the knife," a familiar voice spoke, suddenly, from the other end of the hall. Monica looked up and saw Sam; she breathed a small sigh of relief.

"I’ll kill him, I swear. He means nothing to me," David said.

"What do you think I would do then David? If you let go of him, he might not actually press charges. Let him go," Sam said. David looked down again and suddenly smiled.

"May God be with you, all of you, because come the end of this week God ain’t gonna be in this school anymore," with that David dropped the knife got up and quickly ran down the opposite set of stairs.

The knife clattered to the floor, and everyone breathed a small sigh, Sam quickly took off after David, while Monica, Rafael, Adam, Dana, and Robbie surrounded Andrew.

"Are you okay?" They all were asking at once. Andrew finally held up a hand.

"I’m fine, Monica, take me home please," Andrew said quietly. Monica nodded and his two male angel friends slowly helped him up. Andrew rubbed his sore jaw and walked away, with his best friend by his side.



Tess walked towards Andrew’s door, she knocked on it. There was no answer, slowly opening the door she smiled slightly. The lights were off, Andrew was fast asleep on the bed, his head turned towards her as he slept on his stomach. The bruise from David’s fist was outlined. She could also tell he had been crying. Walking over to him, she pushed a stray hair from his face, letting her hand caress his cheek. He sighed softly and fidgeted slightly, almost as if he was trying to get closer to the gentle touch, he moved into her hand slightly.

Tess sat on the bed gently, and slowly lifted Andrew’s sleeping body into her arms. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her, she noticed they still head fear and anger.

"Tess," he whispered. She nodded, he clutched her arms and held her tightly.

"Its okay baby, Tess has you now, and so does God," she said softly," Andrew remained in her arms for a few more minutes, and then he looked at her.

"Dinner should be ready soon, why don’t you come down and stay with us for awhile," she asked. He shook his head.

"Not hungry. I just want to be alone," he whispered. Tess shook her head.

"No you don’t Andy; the last thing you want is to be alone. You need to talk with someone about this Andy," Andrew shook his head again.

"Please Tess, it’s nothing big."

"Andrew, you were threatened point blank and almost killed, now granted God was with you, that is something scary, and you need to get the fear out of your system baby. Being hurt and then keeping it all inside can hurt you," she explained.

"I’m all right Tess, really," he whispered.

"Andrew," Tess tried again. Andrew sat up and shook his head.

"Please Tess, I really don’t wanna talk about this."

"All right baby, I’ll let this go for now, but you mark my word Andy, we will talk about this," Tess said. With that she slowly got up and left his room. Andrew watched her leave, he placed his head in his hands, allowing the tears to flow, and soon he began to sob, his shoulders shaking with anger, frustration and fear.

Gloria quickly locked her door as well, and hurried her students behind the lab tables. She felt a hand on her shoulder suddenly and jumped a mile high, it was Adam.

"What are you doing here, I thought I locked the doors," she whispered.

"There are doors combing every science room, I locked all three of them, and my door to my room. I brought my students over here," Adam whispered. Gloria nodded.

"I’m so scared Adam, I’ve never been in a situation like this before," she whispered. The sound of gunshots was coming from down the main hallway. They would be coming down the math wing and the science wing in a matter of moments. Adam sighed and wrapped an arm around Gloria’s shoulders, and then looked around his students and Gloria’s students. They were hiding under the lab tables, which had spaces for people to put their feel and legs while sitting on stools. While it was a tough fit, they all seemed to be hidden very well. Adam pushed Gloria under one and ducked in himself.

Just in time, suddenly there was a loud bang. The door to the room was kicked open. Everyone froze in terror, foot steps could be heard. David walked into the science room, laughing, he didn’t care if the cops caught him, he was already in trouble and he planned on getting revenge.

"Dave, this room is empty," Peter called from the doorway. Gloria’s eyes grew wide as she realized it was Peter. Adam placed his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. They seemed to move further away from the opening and towards the wall just behind them.

"You’re probably right, besides I want to go find Andrew," David said.
Gloria couldn’t help but gasp at this. Adam clinched her mouth harder, looking her in the eyes, and putting a finger to his lips. David stopped just before walking out the door.

"Did you hear that?" David asked. Peter rolled his eyes.

"David, we’ve got to get moving," Peter said. David smiled and walked towards the first lab table. He looked down the isle, and saw nothing. He walked down it, thinking maybe the people were on the other side. Seeing nothing he sighed in frustration.

"Dammit," David said. He looked back at Peter and rushed towards him.

"Let’s get out of here, this place is empty," David said.

Monica sat in the room, feeling tears running down her face as she heard gunshots through the hallways upstairs. She squeezed Dana closer to her. She rolled her eyes towards the heavens, praying to the Father for some type of help.

‘Talk to Andrew, my angel. He can help you understand,’ she heard the father’s voice.

"Monica, I’m dying," Dana whispered suddenly.

"From what?"

"Brain cancer, I was diagnosised with it two years ago. I’m not going to live much longer," she explained, meeting Monica’s eyes and then Faith’s. Monica was unsure what to say to this, the thoughts his her instantly as she remembered what Sam had said at the beginning of this assignment.

"As of right now, Monica and Gloria are getting briefed on a new assignment, one that you will be joining them at tomorrow afternoon. I don’t know very much about this assignment right now Tess. No one knows very much right now. I know that it involves a high school called Alpine High School, and I know that by the end of this assignment at least one person will have died." Sam had told Tess and then the other angels.

‘Oh Father, what is going on. This wasn’t suppose to happen was it? Dana was the one person who was supposed to die wasn’t she?’ Monica asked.

‘Yes my child, Dana and David were the only ones who should have died.’

‘Please Father, tell me, why is this happening?’

‘Free will my angel. David would have died during a car wreck last night had he not been taken away by the cops. His sister would have died only weeks later.’

‘Now what will happen Father?’

‘I do have a plan my child, and I am in control. Please remain safe and close to these children. Dana and David are still going to die, and Dana will need you when this time comes,’ the Father told her.

Monica gripped Dana closer as she heard the last part.

"Dana, please don’t be afraid," Monica said.

"God is with me Monica, he’s with all of us," Dana whispered. Again Monica cast her eyes towards the heavens.

There was a loud shot, causing Monica to jump. The door was kicked open, and Monica could fear strangling her each breath. She saw Peter walk in. He smiled slightly at them. He took aim, first at Monica, then Dana, then Faith his gun landing on a black boy in the back he pulled the trigger. Everyone screamed. Girls continued sobbing. The boy was dead, and the blood splattered everywhere.

Peter bent down and stared at Monica and Dana. Placing the gun at Monica’s forehead, he smiled, unlocking the safety on the gun.

"Dana, do you believe in God?" Dana looked at Peter, as if unsure what to think about a question as this, knowing what she said wouldn’t matter, either way she was probably going to die.

"Yes, you know I do," Dana said. Seemingly proud of the fact. Everything after that moment went in slow motion for Monica, she heard the shot before ever feeling any thing. She watched in horror as Peter pulled the trigger, shooting Dana in the stomach.

"I don’t," with that he took aim again and shot another girl who was white. He walked out of the room. Monica tried to quickly shake off her shock and bent over a now dying Dana. She looked up at Monica with pain written all over her face. Blood was already coming from the corners of her mouth. Tears falling from her face.

"Monica," Dana whispered, reaching up towards Monica’s face. Monica quickly grabbed the hand and squeezed the now cold hand.

"Dana, God is so proud of you. You died for him, not many people would do that. He loves you so much honey, so very much," Monica whispered, placing her own hand on Dana’s stomach. Dana felt a ripple of pain through her body.

"I know, I’m scared Monica, please just… stay with me," she cried. Monica nodded.

Monica held Dana tightly as the girl talked to her about various things, trying to maintain her rational thinking. She looked up at Monica, who was now glowing slightly, however the angel was still covered in blood, proving she was only shining from God’s love and not in angelic form.

"Hello Monica, hello Dana. My name is Henry," the Angel of Death said as he placed his hand on the girl’s shoulder.

"Henry, how’s Andrew?" Monica quickly asked.

"I don’t know, only William and God know right now," Henry explained. Monica felt fear grip her heart, William was an angel of death also.

"Am I dying?" Dana asked.

"Yes my child, you are. Don’t be afraid."

"I’m not, but please, is my brother going to go to heaven?"

"Dana, only God and your brother can make that choice. God will forgive him if he asks. God cannot force David to accept him." Dana nodded, still crying. She looked at all of her frightened classmates, who were still clinging to each other. Faith scooted closer to her friend and Monica.

"Dana, it’s okay to die, we’ll let you go, but we’ll never forget," Faith whispered.

"I know," Dana said.

"I love you so much Dana, I always have. You’re my best friend," Faith said again, crying.

"I love you too Faith. Help Rob okay, and Amy too. It will be hard at first. Please, help them understand," Dana whispered.

"I will, you go now baby, get away from this horror and you go say hi to God for me and for all of us."

"I love you so much, thank you for changing me," Faith said nothing, she simply nodded. Dana looked up at Henry, who was crouched by her, waiting patiently. Dana nodded slowly.

"I’m ready," she whispered. Henry nodded, reaching his hand out he grabbed her hand. Dana felt her pain slowly turn into peace and love. Her eyes fluttered a couple times then closed for the very last time. Monica held the now limp body, she watched Dana stand in the room, looking down at her lifeless body, and then at Faith. Dana stopped, letting go of Henry’s hand. She moved towards father and took off her necklace. She crouched in front of Faith, who was looking right at her.

"Can she see me?" Dana asked Henry.

"Yes I can," Faith whispered.

"Take this, in remembrance of me, know that I love you," Dana said placing the cross and putting it into Faith’s hand, then closing her fist around it. Dana reached out and ran her hand along the girl’s cheek.

"I love you so much," Dana whispered. Faith looked up at her best friend’s soul.

"I’ll never forget you" Faith whispered.

"I know," Dana said.

"It’s time to go Dana," Henry said quietly. Dana nodded and stood back up. Looking at the scene in front of her one last time she sighed. She reached for Henry’s hand again. Then slowly they walked into the bright light.

Peter was only half way down the hall when he realized he had just killed David’s younger sister. He stopped and looked at the gun, he turned to see the hallways, ten maybe twenty people lie dead in the hallways at least ten more in most rooms. Suddenly he felt a sick surge in his stomach.

"Oh God," he cried as he dropped to his knees.

"That is who you need to be asking for forgiveness right now," Tess said appearing out of nowhere. Peter looked up at the angel.

"Who are you?" He asked shakily.

"I’m an angel Peter, from God, he wants you to know that even though you have taken you’re freewill and done a horrible thing, he can and will still forgive. If you simply ask."

"I don’t know how," Peter whispered still staring at the gun in front of him.

"It’s easy baby, tell God you’re sorry and ask him to forgive, you will Peter. God loves you so much."

"Why did he let me do this?"

"Well Peter, God gives everyone a little thing called free will, and he gave you free will today. You could have told David you didn’t want to be a part of this and come to school like any other day, but then you would have become the victim instead," Tess said.

"I’m scared."

"You should be, there are always consequences to everything you do, and sadly you choose to do something with a bigger consequence than any other choice would have given you."

"I murder, a lot of people. People I knew and trusted. How is anyone ever going to forgive me for that?"

"Peter Philip Fredrick Williams, it doesn’t matter who else will forgive, they may never forgive, and some probably will, but God will Always forgive you, do you know why?" Peter shook his head.

"Because he loves you so much, and no thing like this is going to get in his way. You and David killed people today because they believed in God, or they were different race or religion, but God can forgive you. You don’t know this, but your mother was Jewish, she never told you before she died, but she was. She was proud of that heritage. Dana was proud of her religion and her strong foundation and belief in God and of God. There’s only one God Peter, but there are a thousand ways to worship him," Peter looked at her, tears streaming from his eyes.

"God, father, please forgive me. I’ve done something horribly wrong and now I will pay for it, please help me." Tess smiled as Peter prayed, she listened for the father.

"He has forgiven you Peter, now its time to turn yourself in."

"How will we ever get over this?"

"Peter, many things will happen in the days, months and weeks to come, and I don’t know what will happen in that time, but whatever it is God will have control over it."

"Will you stay with me when I turn myself in?"

"Of course baby, now let’s go," Peter nodded and slowly stood up. Together he and Tess slowly walked downstairs and outside. Before reaching the main entrance he stopped.

"I’m I going to die?" He asked Tess.

"Some day Peter, but not for a long time," Peter nodded and slowly walked outside. He placed his gun on the ground and his hands behind his back. Sam and his dad hurried over to him.

"Peter," his father began. Peter saw that his father way crying.

"God Dad, I’m so sorry," he whispered. Patrick Williams drew his son into an embrace and kissed his head.

"I forgive you son, I’m so sorry I’ve been a horrible father. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Yes," Peter whimpered against his father’s strong chest.

"Peter," Sam said softly.

"I’m ready officer, I won’t give you any trouble," Peter said quietly as he offered his hands to the angel.
Sam looked at Tess and smiled.

"Peter Williams you have the right to remain silent whatever you…" Sam’s voice drifted off as he and the two men slowly walked towards the police cars.

Andrew watched the hammer hit home and cried out as white, hot searing pain ripped through his body.

His eyes met David’s as his hand left David’s shoulder and went to his stomach. David’s eyes were cold and distant. David ran off as Andrew’s face contorted in pain and he staggered towards a wall so he could brace himself. Dropping into a sitting position against the wall Andrew closed his eyes to control the spinning.

Robbie crouched next to him and pulled of his shirt, applying pressure to the wound. Andrew moaned in pain and then looked at his friend and fellow Angel of Death.

"Why is this happening? Where is… God?" Andrew whimpered.

"Andrew, I’m here," Monica said hurrying by his side and gripping his hand.

"Moni," he whispered, slowly opening his eyes.

"Hi handsome, William, why don’t you get the kids out of here, they’ve seen enough death today," Monica said softly. William nodded and helped the students leave the building.

"Andrew, can you walk?"

"It hurts," he cried.

"I know Andrew, but you’ve got to help us, you’re losing blood and that’s bad," Monica said brushing a stray hair away from his face. He looked at her, his eyes full of pain as he felt her warm hand on his face.

"Adam and I are going to help you up okay, you do as much as you can," Andrew nodded again and with the help of his two friends he was soon on his feet. The three friends slowly made it down the stairs and out of the school, just as they made it outside the front door, Andrew lost conciseness. Tess was heading towards them, and came just in time to catch Andrew’s now limp body. Adam was no longer in human form, but glowing in his beige suit. Tears were running down his face. Monica shook her head at this and knelt down, she began gently smacking Andrew’s cheeks, doing anything to wake him up.

"Stay away from his Adam! He’s not going to die!" She cried as she continued to smack his face. Deciding that this wasn’t working she quickly began CPR. Praying in her mind that her friend would some how be spared. Tess watched the EMTs make their way over with a backboard and a stretcher.

Andrew sighed and turned in his bed, he realized he had been wrapped up with a blanket at some point. Sighing, he grabbed his cane and decided he needed some fresh air. He slowly and stiffly limped outside and down the stairs. He wasn’t really surprised to see the front door opened. He headed towards it and opened the screen. Once he stepped outside he was glad to have a sweatshirt on. He saw Monica sitting curled in a fetal position on the front porch. He smiled, his mind drifting back to only a couple weeks ago. The day before the tragedy at the school. He walked over and sat down next to her. He put and arm around her shoulders and she scooted closer, trying to find more warmth. She leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed.

"Can angels love?" Monica asked.

"I don’t know. I don’t think so, but then again, maybe. It would depend on how you interpret love."

"I mean… if I were human my heart would be yours. I know that already. You would be my soul mate, but can angels have soul mates?" She asked. Andrew didn’t answer right away, unsure how.

"I guess so, I don’t see why they couldn’t. Why?"

"Are you my soul mate?" She asked. Andrew sighed.

"Yes, I think, I know I am. If an angel could love like that and have soul mates then you are my soul mate," he said.

"I will miss you," she said.

"I’ll miss you too angel girl," he said.

"It seems like it’s only been a day since we met. Has it really been almost twenty?"

"Pretty close. You deserve this promotion Monica, you’re a wonderful angel."

"I know, and thank you. What about you, who’s gonna be you’re supervisor?"

"Jan," he said.

"I wish Thursday wouldn’t come."

"It’ll come, God isn’t going to stop the world for a couple of love sick angels," Andrew said.

"I suppose not."

"Monica, Dana? Did she die?"

"Yes, she died with dignity Andy. She was so proud. She died believing in God."

"She would have died anyway, but I… I guess I wish I could have taken her home. She was an amazing you woman. I learned a lot from her," Andrew admitted.

"I think we can all learn something from a human like her."

"So young, but so full of brains and faith," Andrew explained.

"Tess once told me it’s the babies that have the most faith, because their innocent, they haven’t been exposed to all that stuff said."

"It’s true. Children and even teenagers are the most faithful."

"God loves children so much, I just wish they didn’t suffer so much," Andrew nodded.

"It’s chilly out here, we should go inside," he whispered. She nodded and slowly the two walked back into the house. Andrew limped into the living room and turned the radio on low. He held out his hand, as he began to shine with God’s love. Monica smiled and took it. Andrew drew her close and slowly began to sway to the music, thinking about the words that were being said.

All I ask of You--By Andrew Lloyd Webber
Sung by Cliff Richard and Sarah Brightman

No more talk of Darkness, forget these wide eyed fears
I’m here, nothing can harm you my words will warm and
calm you. Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your
tears, I’m here with you beside you, to guard you and to guide you.

Say you’ll love me every waking moment, turn my
head with talk of summer time. Say you’ll lead with me now and
always. Promise me, that all you say is true, that’s all I ask of you.

Let me be your shelter, let me be your light, your safe no one
will find you your fears are far behind you

All I want is freedom, a world with no more night, and you
always beside me to hold me and to hide me.

Then say you%

Chapter Thirteen
Monica had to keep herself from giggling as she walked into the hospital room, there with his back to her lay her friend. His shirt caught up near his armpits, and his blankets down by his ankle. She smiled and sighed. He hadn’t been sleeping well lately. She was, however, glad he was sleeping at all. She walked over to the bed and gently pulled the shirt down, silently glad he didn’t have on one of those gowns, afraid she would have probably gotten a different picture. She then pulled up his blankets to his shoulder, leaned over she gently placed a kiss on his temple.

As she did this she missed his blond brown hair to run her hand through. Sighing she sat down beside him, Mike had said he could finally go home, after three weeks in the hospital she couldn’t be happier, and Andrew couldn’t either. He seemed to be getting a little better each day.

"Mike came in, an hour ago," his voice came from the bed, startling her. She looked at him and smiled.

"Sorry to wake you," he smiled at her.

"Not much can keep me asleep anymore."

"I know, you were saying about Mike?"

"Came in, he said there might be a possibility of doing surgery," Monica smiled.

"That would be wonderful," she whispered. He sighed as she entwined her fingers with his.

"Yeah, but… haven’t I been through enough, I mean, I’m scared," he whispered.

"I know you are Andrew, and there’s nothing wrong with that, in fact that’s very normal. Take your time Andrew, no one expects you to have handled all of this by yourself, that’s why we’ve been here."

"I know, oh, Sam came by."

"Really, what did he say?" She asked.

"The Father wants me to take some time off after this, time to get rehab, as well as just stay home. He says it’s not permanent but it will be awhile."

"If that’s what the Father said Andrew, then it will be done. Besides can’t hurt you to take a little time off."

"I suppose not."

"Andrew, what’s the matter?"

"I can’t help but think how the twins will take to this. I haven’t really talked to them, and I’m sorry for every second of that. This has been one bumpy ride after another. I don’t know what to do anymore. Usually people, humans have the chance to spend some time before they… you know die."

"First of Andrew, you aren’t going to die. I have that on the highest authority. Second you just have to believe that you’re in good hands. Andrew, this has been a bumpy ride, but you know God works in mysterious ways."

"I know he does. I just will be happy when this is all over."

"Who won’t be?" She said smiling. Andrew looked down at her hand and sighed.

"Monica, I’m feeling pretty good right now, could we go for a short walk, since I’m leaving soon?"

Chapter Fourteen
"Of course," a few moments later she and Andrew were walking outside in the beautiful May air, through the beautiful garden which Andrew had first been at. Monica assumed the father had already worked everything out and brought them here for a reason, so as she gripped Andrew’s arm tightly, his head covered by a baseball cap and wearing a light sweatshirt, the two walked together.

"You remember, about twenty years ago, or so when you and I were seated on the front porch swing that evening?" Monica smiled and nodded as she thought back to that horrible time. They had been healthy, but it had been different.

Flashback
Walking down the back stairs she made her way towards the kitchen, planning on getting some coffee and maybe curling up in front of the fire for a couple hours. Suddenly, she noticed the front door was open. The screen door was shut, and moon light shining on the floor. Walking over to it, she saw Andrew sitting on the porch swing. She smiled slightly, she slowly opened the screen door and stepped out into the chilly November night air. She closed the door behind her quietly. Andrew never moved, never even hearing her.

Monica frowned slightly, she could see the dark bruise outlined on his jaw line, its colors reminding her of various colors of the seat at night. Andrew’s form was rigid and tense, as if he was waiting for something bad to happen.

"Andrew," she called gently. There was no response at first.

"Andrew? Are you all right?" She asked again.

"No," was his soft whisper. Walking over to the porch swing, she sat down next to him. She wasn’t surprised when he leaned over and rested his head on her chest, crying softly. Monica proceeded to run a gentle hand through his soft hair. After a few moments his tears subsided, he remained in her arms for a few more seconds. After a few moments Andrew sat up and this time Monica leaned into his shoulder.
They slowly lapsed into silence as they thought about their lives as humans and as angels.

"Andrew, what did Dana mean when she said she was dying?"

"Honey, I’m not allowed to tell you, its part of your assignment. You’ll have to wait and see," Andrew whispered.

"I was so scared when he was holding you down with a switch blade at your throat," Andrew smiled slightly.

"You think you were scared," he said. She smiled slightly.

"Andrew, I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you," Andrew squeezed her closer.

"You would go on, and except that I’m gone. Remember Monica, no matter what may come in the next few days or so, that I love you. You give me strength that no one else can. Next to God, you’re my entire world," he whispered. Again there was silence.

"Andrew, if you were human…" Monica stopped. Andrew wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Yes," he whispered.

"You don’t even know what I was going to ask," she said with a gentle laugh in her voice.

"Yes Monica, if I was a human, and I knew you, we would be happily married and have children, because I am so madly in love with you. My heart belongs to you," he whispered.

"Andrew, what would you name you’re kids?"

"I don’t know, I’m rather partial to the names Emily and Matthew. Thomas Patrick," Andrew whispered again.

"That’s an Irish name."

"Most of them are baby girl," he said.

"I love the name Emily."

"Monica is a good name too," she smiled at him.

"Sometimes, I wish I was a human," she said quietly.

"Why?"

"Well, even though heaven is so wonderful, I still wish I could have children, get married, all the things we angels just can’t do," she said. Andrew leaned his head against her’s.

"Do you ever… you know think about those types of things?" He asked.

"I don’t know, yeah, I guess. I think most angels have at least once," Monica said quietly.

"There’s a rumor going around that Tess is getting promoter," Monica whispered.

"I’ve heard," he said.

"Won’t be the same," she said again.

"I know. She’s been like a mother to us for the past twenty years or so."

"I love you three so much Andrew."

"I know Moni, I love you too, we all do Angel girl. We all do."

"Hold me Andrew, please," Nodding Andrew pulled her into his arms and held her closer. He looked into her brown eyes, leaning his head closer; she brought her head closer, their foreheads touching. Andrew’s lips brushed hers for a moment and then she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I love you angel girl," he whispered. She smiled slightly as she pressed her head into the nape of his neck, her eyes drifting closed as her mind filed with images of all the things they had been through. Andrew’s eyes continued to watch the horizon and then they too finally drifted closed.
End of Flashback

"Yes I remember like it was yesterday," she whispered. Andrew smiled and took her face in his hands.

"Do you remember the day the twins were placed in our care?" Andrew asked again. Monica smiled slightly and nodded, her bottom lip trembling.

FLASHBACK
Monica smiled as she walked through the hills of Gideon, it had been a long time since she had seen any of her dearest friends. Her caseworkers were both gone now, having had two, they were both Supervisors now themselves and were doing beautiful jobs, leaving Monica to wonder what she was suppose to do next.

"Monica?" A voice called, turning around Monica smiled in glee, there in front of her stood Andrew, her best friend. Her soul mate. He stood smiling, although surprised he had a bright smile on his face. He had on a comfortable pair of blue jeans and a nice red shirt.

"Andrew?" She said. He nodded as she ran into his arms, he hugged her tightly, lifting her feet off the ground.

"Monica, what in the world are you doing here?" Andrew asked, he had been told by his supervisor, Jan, that the father wanted to talk to him on the hills of Gideon, Andrew’s favorite place in Heaven, a place where he had spent a lot of his time when not on a case, or when he had been an angel of death and was having a problem with a case.

"I don’t really know, the Father told me to come. What about you? What are you doing here?"

"Jan said the Father wanted to speak to me here, so here I am."

"Andrew, Monica, my children," He spoke calmly. Smiling widely. Andrew and Monica smiled.

"You two have been wonderful angels, and you have honored me in every way I could ever ask. You have spent the past fifteen years or so apart from each other, and I know that hurts, but you were always good and faithful servants. So today, I’m giving you both a promotion of sorts. You will both become part of a team, a team that will be strong, and good. You will have your moments, like any group, but most of all you will become a family."

"We’re working together?" Monica asked. The Father nodded.

"I would like you to meet your caseworkers, here are they’re files, in case you would like to know a little more back ground. They’re a couple of our youngest angels, they’re human bodies can range from fourteen to about twenty, on assignments. They will in essence become your children, and you will become their parents. I know you will love them. They’re from the Violent Crimes Unit, I decided they needed to be moved, Bryan is a bit of a trouble maker at times, but his heart is always in the right place when it comes right down to it. Andrew, I want you to try and calm him down a bit, help him see how he should really act for an angel."

"I will Father," he said quietly. The Father nodded and turned around, revealing two young looking teenage angels, no more than about thirteen or fourteen.

"This is Bryan, and Brianna, they’re twins."

"Hi Brianna," Monica said softly as she walked towards the young girl. Andrew walked towards the boy and smiled at them.

"Brianna, Bryan, you will be working with Andrew and Monica, I want you to do your best, as you always have," They nodded. Brianna looked at Monica.

"Your pretty," she whispered. Monica smiled, holding out her arms, she was pleased as the angel hugged her tightly. Andrew smiled slightly, patting Bryan on the shoulder.

End of Flashback

"Bryan was so hardheaded at that time. He just seemed so independent, now he needs you so much. He relies on you Andrew, what will we do without you?"

"Monica, it’s only going to be for a few weeks."

"I know but a few weeks just seems like too long, for all of us. You take care of yourself okay."

"Of course I will. When I told you that if we were human, we would be married and have children by now, I wasn’t kidding. I had this dream, this past Christmas, at least I think it was a dream. Anyway, I had this dream, and we were humans, as if I hadn’t ever come back to being an angel, and you hadn’t either. We were married, happy, and had twins. Monica as far as I’m concerned that was the Father’s way of telling me, that we belonged together forever. I know I can’t love you the way humans love each other, and if I could I’m sure we would have by now. Monica, other than human love, I can’t think of a single other type of love I don’t feel for you in some little way."

"Andrew that’s the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I can't believe you had that kind of dream."

"I'd tell you more, but Sam is here, and well, you understand," he whispered as she looked behind her to see Sam was indeed there. Sighing Monica looked at him. "I guess this is goodbye sweet pea," he whispered.

"Bye Andy Love you," he nodded and gently touched her cheek.

"I love you too, Monica, please, please remember that I’m only a name away, I’ll be here. You guys can come a see me, although I’m not sure where in the world I’ll be. Bye beautiful angel girl. I love you too. Take care of the twins. Tell Bryan that I love him, and that I'll be home, give him this and tell him to hold onto it for me," Andrew said handing Monica his gold pocket watch. "Give Brianna a hug and tell her I'm so proud of her, and when I get home, she and I are going on a ride together."

"Okay I'll tell them that."

"Good, Monica, this isn't going to be easy, for anyone, but I'll be back, Sam and the Father have already promised me that," he said kissing her forehead.

"I know you will bye Andrew."

"Goodbye my angel," he kissed her head and then turned towards Sam. "I'm ready Sam."

"Good, come on son," Sam said softly looking at the younger angel. Andrew turned around and stopped. Walking over to where Monica now stood he kissed her forehead, and then forcing every thing he had ever been taught aside he gently kissed her lips, even though he was an angel and couldn’t fall in love like that, didn’t mean he wasn’t allowed to show affection for the woman and angel he loved.

"I would have liked to dance with you, Wait for me," was all he said and then he turned towards Sam, "take me home," Andrew whispered. With a swift nod Sam and Andrew slowly walked away, Monica stood there watching them disappear. As she saw them finally gone, she sat down heavily into a nearby bench, where she began to sob loudly.

She could no longer hold it back, allowing everything to leave her, the past months finally hitting her, burying her head in her hands she cried.

Monica slowly walked around the back of the large country house she lived in with the twins and Andrew. Sighing she crossed her arms in front of her chest and looked out on the large lake behind the beautiful house. Tears still running down her cheeks, she thought silently about the past, all the assignments they had been through.

"Mom?" A small voice came. Monica smiled, they had started referring to Monica and Andrew as Mom and Dad shortly after being with them, Brianna had started long before Bryan. Finally Bryan warmed up to Andrew and began calling him Dad sometimes, and Monica Mom at times. Monica didn’t need to turn around to know it was Brianna.

"Dad left didn’t he?"

"Yeah, he did baby," Monica whispered. Brianna walked up from behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist, placing her head on her mother’s shoulder.

"He’ll be back, The Father is taking care of him now. We’ve got to believe this, he’s not in pain anymore, and as soon as he comes home, he’ll be all better and we’ll be a family again."

"I know, I just miss him," she whispered.

"I know you do mom, and so do I, but just give it time. "

"I’m glad you’re here baby girl, I wouldn’t be able to get through this without you two." She whispered as she turned around and hugged her baby girl.